Rethebrücke, Vertical-lift bridge in Wilhelmsburg, Hamburg, Germany
The Rethebrücke is a vertical-lift bridge in Hamburg's port district that carries both road and rail traffic across the Rethe River. It features two separate decks that rise independently when larger ships need to pass underneath.
The original bridge opened in 1934 and underwent major modifications during the 1980s to accommodate larger vessels passing underneath. This renovation updated the lifting mechanisms and increased the clearance for modern ship traffic.
The bridge's name comes from the Rethe River it crosses, and its distinctive steel frame shapes how the port area looks to those passing through.
The bridge is accessible to pedestrians and vehicles, with nearby viewing areas where you can watch ships and port activity. Best visited during daylight hours when you can clearly see the river and working harbor below.
The four movable bridge sections were transported by floating barge from another German port to Hamburg during the 1980s renovation. This remarkable journey required specialized equipment and careful coordination to position the components.
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