Gutachtalbrücke

The Gutachtalbrücke is a prestressed concrete girder bridge in Baden-Württemberg that crosses the Gutach River valley as part of the A81 motorway. The structure consists of four main spans and bridges a depth of approximately 97 meters, making it a prominent landmark in the landscape.

The bridge was completed in 1981 and was at that time the tallest viaduct of its type in the world. Its construction marked a turning point in high-strength concrete construction through the use of continuous girders with varying height.

The bridge exemplifies German engineering precision, marking a shift in infrastructure development during the expanding transportation networks of the 1980s.

The bridge is accessible daily to motorists on the A81 and is regularly maintained to meet high safety standards. Those wishing to enjoy the view from here should note that it is a motorway and nearby rest areas should be used for a safe stop.

The bridge features curved prestressing strands that not only serve structural purposes but also form a distinctive design characteristic of the construction. This formal language should be noticed while driving across the viaduct.