Talbrücke Werratal, Road bridge in Thuringia, Germany.
The Talbrücke Werratal is a road bridge crossing the Werra valley in Thuringia and spans more than one kilometer with concrete supports and a steel box girder structure. The deck features a trapezoidal steel trough design mounted on reinforced concrete piers that run through the entire valley crossing.
This structure was built as part of the A71 autobahn system, one of Germany's most expensive modern infrastructure projects. Its construction marked a shift in German bridge engineering with innovative structural approaches for valley crossings.
This engineering structure represents the evolution of German bridge construction techniques, moving away from equal depth girders toward more advanced structural solutions.
Drivers approaching from Kassel face a steep incline and should watch for speed cameras on the northbound lanes. The crossing can be challenging in poor weather, especially when roads are wet or icy.
The bridge combines a trapezoidal steel hollow section with a remarkably thin overall design, which is surprisingly efficient for a main span of roughly 150 meters. This approach saves weight and material while maintaining full structural strength.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
