Ruhrbrücke Bochumer Straße, pont allemand
The Ruhrbrücke Bochumer Straße is a road bridge in Hattingen that crosses the Ruhr River and connects the city center with the Winz-Baak neighborhood. It carries car traffic, streetcars, and buses in two parallel sections shaped as smooth arches made from concrete and steel.
The first bridge at this location was built in 1319 with eight arches and four defensive towers, serving medieval trade and travel. The current structure dates from 1998 to 2002 and replaced several older bridges that required rebuilding due to damage from war, the Thirty Years War, and general wear over the centuries.
The bridge was a favorite subject for postcards and artwork over many decades, capturing daily life in Hattingen. Visitors could see streetcars and local activity in historical images, making the structure a visual symbol of the town's identity.
The bridge is accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles with wide lanes for smooth traffic flow. The area is quiet and friendly, making it good for walks with views of the river and surrounding buildings.
The bridge was destroyed in 1945 during the final days of World War II to prevent enemy use and had to be completely rebuilt afterward. This episode shows how vital the structure was to the town's connection and how determined people were to restore it.
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