Hochdonn High Bridge, Railway bridge in Hochdonn, Germany
The Hochdonn High Bridge is a riveted steel railway bridge over the Kiel Canal, 2,218 metres long and carrying two tracks. Its main span is a green truss with an arched section of diagonal and vertical beams in repeating triangles, resting on tall lattice towers on pale concrete bases. The deck holds the rails and sleepers, and a thin cable hangs from the lower chord.
Construction began in 1913 as a replacement for an older swing bridge and was completed in June 1920. This newer design has provided more reliable rail service without the delays that manual operation once caused.
The municipal coat of arms of Burg-Sankt Michaelisdonn features the bridge, reflecting how central it is to local identity. Residents view this structure as an important part of their regional heritage and community memory.
Ships can pass underneath thanks to a 42-meter clearance above the water line. Visitors can best observe the structure from the surrounding banks and access points for clear viewing and photography.
The bridge's central suspended span, 121.03 metres long, was cut free and lowered onto a pontoon during a 12-hour canal closure on 6 November 2006; the replacement was lifted into place two days later. The new span was raised by 2 metres to give the same 42-metre clearance as other Kiel Canal bridges.
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