Friedensbrücke, Transportation bridge in Alsergrund and Brigittenau districts, Vienna, Austria

Friedensbrücke spans the Danube Canal, connecting the 9th district of Alsergrund with the 20th district of Brigittenau in Vienna. The structure carries two tram lines, vehicle traffic, and links to the U4 subway station below.

A first iron bridge, designed by August Köstlin and built in 1871–1872 by the Witkowitz ironworks with builder Wegerer, was named Brigittabrücke after the patron of Brigittenau. In 1892 its truss was raised 90 cm for the Danube Canal city railway line. Rising traffic led to weight limits: lorries were banned in 1919 and tram trains crossed one at a time under a light signal.

The bridge takes its name from the Brigittenau district, named after Saint Bridget; it was long called Brigittabrücke. Since 1873 trams have crossed here, and since 1897 the electric line, numbered 5 from 1907, ran over it. The U4 station on the Alsergrund bank opened in 1901 as Brigittabrücke station.

The bridge is easily accessible on foot from both sides of the canal, with the U4 subway station directly below providing clear orientation. Be aware that tram and vehicle movements can be loud while crossing.

The 1871–72 iron structure was built by the Witkowitz ironworks to plans by August Köstlin, with a 65-metre span and about 6 metres of clearance for shipping. In 1892 the bridge deck was raised by 90 centimetres for the Danube Canal city railway line. By 1919 the bridge was so overloaded that lorries were banned outright and trams could cross only one train at a time, controlled by a light signal.