Franzosenbrücke, Stone arch bridge in Hohenrode, Salzgitter, Germany

The Franzosenbrücke is a stone arch bridge spanning the Innerste River with three vaults, connecting Gitter and Lutter am Barenberge. Its construction features solid piers with protective barriers, rebuilt following major restoration work in the late 20th century.

Construction began in 1593 under Duke Heinrich Julius of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel. The structure was rebuilt in 1818 after damage, with military pioneers first creating a temporary wooden passage before the current stone form took shape.

The name Franzosenbrücke dates from 1808, when French engineers helped local craftsmen rebuild a wooden emergency bridge after floods destroyed the stone one. A French guardhouse stood before the bridge, where passers-by paid a toll. The crossing carried the military road from Kassel to Braunschweig.

The bridge carried the B248 from Braunschweig via Salzgitter-Gitter to Seesen until 1965, when the road was rerouted. It was extensively renovated in 1987/88. The keystone of the middle arch bears the year 1866, recalling the rebuild after the 1861 flood.

The keystone of the middle arch bears the year 1866, recalling the rebuild after the flood of 29 June 1861, when the arches were judged too narrow and the riverbed was deepened by 5 feet.