Elster Viaduct, Stone arch bridge in Weischlitz, Germany.
The Elster Viaduct is a stone arch bridge that crosses the White Elster valley and carries the A72 motorway across eastern Germany. The structure consists of multiple arches with granite foundations and spans approximately 500 meters at a height of 60 meters above the valley floor.
Construction began in 1937 but was halted during World War II, leaving the bridge incomplete while the area became a restricted zone. After German reunification, work resumed in 1990 and the viaduct was finally completed in 1993.
The bridge exemplifies German engineering from the early 20th century through its combination of traditional stonework and modern highway requirements.
The viaduct is accessible via the A72 motorway and serves as a major transport route connecting communities in the region. Walking or cycling across it is not possible as it is reserved exclusively for motor vehicle traffic.
The viaduct sat abandoned for decades, trapped in a restricted zone during the division of Germany. Resuming construction required extensive investigations to assess and restore the structure after such a long period of abandonment.
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