Schwimmbrücke Dahlhausen, Pontoon bridge in Bochum-Südwest, Germany
The Schwimmbrücke Dahlhausen is a pontoon bridge across the Ruhr River between Bochum-Südwest and Hattingen. The structure uses floating pontoons and automatically adjusts its height to match water level changes.
The original structure was built in 1899 to replace a ferry service that had operated earlier. It was reconstructed in 1959 after the previous version was damaged during World War II.
This bridge is part of the Industrial Heritage Trail and shows the engineering skill of the Ruhr Valley. It connects two districts and demonstrates how transportation infrastructure developed in this region.
Vehicles must slow down to 10 kilometers per hour when crossing. Foot and bicycle access is always available regardless of water conditions.
The southern section can rotate upstream using an electric motor to allow ships to reach the nearby Dahlhausen lock. This moving section makes the bridge a remarkable example of working water management engineering.
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