South Bridge, Railway bridge in Cologne, Germany
The South Bridge spans the Rhine with a length of 368 meters and consists of three steel truss sections with characteristic sandstone towers. The structure connects the districts of Deutz and Poll and carries two railway tracks used mainly for freight transport, alongside separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
Construction started in 1906 under the Prussian State Railway and finished in 1910 as an important railway connection. It emerged during a period of rail network expansion that reshaped Cologne's infrastructure.
The sandstone towers on the eastern bank display decorative sculptures in the Neo-Romanesque style that shape the bridge's character. Visitors can observe these ornamental details while crossing and appreciate the artistic approach to engineering design.
The structure is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists on dedicated paths that run separately from the railway tracks. The best views of the bridge and its details can be enjoyed from the eastern bank or from the riverside paths.
The structure features specialized mounting points for electrical power lines that supply energy to trains crossing the Rhine. This technical solution shows how innovative engineering was connected with the demands of modern rail transport.
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