Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge

The Cologne Rodenkirchen Bridge is a steel suspension bridge crossing the Rhine River to link the districts of Rodenkirchen and Marienburg. The structure uses tall pylons to support the roadway that carries motor vehicle traffic between both sides.

Engineer Fritz Leonhardt designed this bridge in 1938, and it opened in 1941 before suffering severe wartime damage. It was rebuilt between 1952 and 1954 after the war and underwent expansion work during the 1990s.

The bridge takes its name from the district where it begins and has become a familiar landmark for people who cross it daily as part of their routine. It shows how essential this connection became to life in the city.

The bridge is accessible daily and primarily carries motor traffic, though pedestrians and cyclists can use it as well. Expect congestion during rush hours, particularly in the morning and evening when crossing with vehicles.

During post-war reconstruction, the original pylons were reused rather than rebuilt from scratch, saving time and materials. This choice allowed the connection between districts to be restored more quickly.

Location: Rodenkirchen

Location: Marienburg

Location: Cologne

Inception: September 1941

Length: 567 m

Longest Span: 378 m

Made from material: steel

Part of: list of cultural heritage monuments in Köln-Rodenkirchen, Bundesautobahn 4

GPS coordinates: 50.89978,6.99047

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:49