Weener railway bridge, Steel railway bridge in Weener, Germany
The Weener railway bridge is a steel structure over the Ems River, measuring 335 meters (about 1100 feet) in length and connecting Weener with Westoverledingen. The structure carries a single track along with a narrow footpath that runs parallel to the rail line.
The first crossing opened between 1874 and 1876 to establish the rail connection over the river. After damage from ship collisions and during World War II, reconstructions followed in 1926 and 1951.
The name Friesenbrücke honors the connection between the northern German regions along the river and recalls the Frisian heritage in this area. Trains cross it daily, linking the border regions with a slow rhythm that reflects the rural character of this route.
Access for pedestrians is currently restricted due to the construction of a replacement crossing, which includes a rotating section measuring 145 meters (about 476 feet). Work started in July 2021, so travelers should expect temporary arrangements during this period.
In 2015, the cargo ship Emsmoon collided with the crossing, causing severe damage and halting all train traffic across it. Since then, ferries have operated between the two riverbanks until the new rotating span begins service.
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