Waldschlösschen Bridge, Road and arch bridge in Dresden, Germany
Waldschlösschen Bridge is a road and arch structure in Dresden that crosses the Elbe River with a total span of 636 meters and steel arches rising 26 meters above the water. The main span measures 148 meters, while the roadway itself extends 29 meters in width.
Construction began after decades of debate and caused UNESCO to remove the Dresden Elbe Valley from its World Heritage list in 2009. The opening took place in August 2013, ending one of the most debated infrastructure decisions in postwar German history.
The structure takes its name from a restaurant built in the nineteenth century that still stands nearby on the riverbank. This name recalls the area's former role as a popular destination for day trips.
The crossing includes four vehicle lanes along with separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians on both sides. This layout allows safe passage between the districts on either side of the river.
More than 65,000 visitors attended the opening celebration in August 2013, taking part in a public festival that marked the end of decades of local dispute. Many residents now cross daily without thinking about the long history behind its completion.
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