Hochbrücke Freimann, Highway bridge in Schwabing-Freimann, Germany
The Hochbrücke Freimann is a highway bridge that spans 585 meters across Munich's northern ring road, built with a hollow box structure that varies in width along its length. The structure carries traffic from the A9 autobahn directly over the surrounding neighborhoods.
Construction of this bridge began in 1958 as part of Munich's transportation expansion and was completed in 1960. The structure underwent major renovation between 2007 and 2011, with work phased to keep traffic flowing on the A9 autobahn throughout the project.
Local residents call this bridge the Tatzelwurm, referencing a mythical dragon-like creature from Germanic tradition. The nickname reflects how infrastructure becomes woven into a community's identity and everyday conversation.
The best time to view or photograph the bridge is early morning or late evening when traffic is lighter. The top of the structure is not open to the public, but it remains visible from various vantage points in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The 2011 renovation added transparent noise barriers made from acrylic glass, mounted on steel posts to reduce sound pollution from traffic. These clear panels allow people below to maintain views while shielding nearby homes and streets from the constant sound of the autobahn.
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