Elbebrücke Geesthacht

The Elbebrücke Geesthacht is a road bridge that crosses the Elbe River, linking two federal states. The structure consists of steel girders with multiple openings and carries traffic on a wide road deck between Geesthacht and Marschacht.

The structure was built following the devastating 1962 flood, when an additional river crossing became urgently needed. It created a direct link between Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein and has eased traffic in the region ever since.

The bridge connects two northern German states and has become essential infrastructure for daily traffic between regions. It shapes how people move across the river and supports the communities on both sides in their economic and social exchanges.

The bridge sits along Federal Road 404 and provides continuous crossing of the Elbe with a regularly maintained surface. Pedestrians and cyclists should use the designated paths, as traffic can be heavy on this main route.

The structure uses two different construction methods: steel girders for the main section and prestressed concrete for the lock canal area. This combination of techniques was an innovative solution at the time for the special demands of crossing the river.