New bridge of Wasserstraßenkreuz Minden, Navigable aqueduct in Minden, Germany
The Neue Kanalbrücke Minden is a steel trough bridge carrying the Mittellandkanal over the Weser, built 1993–1998 just north of the older canal bridge. Its rectangular steel trough is 341 m long, 42 m wide and 4 m deep, with a total structure length of 398 m. The dark green girder rests on a low reddish-brown brick base, with a railing and small circular fixtures along the top edge.
The New bridge was built starting in 1993 to strengthen the transportation connection alongside the older crossing. It officially opened in 1998, modernizing the waterway infrastructure at this location.
The bridge is part of the Wasserstraßenkreuz Minden, where the Mittellandkanal crosses the Weser on two parallel troughs 50 metres apart. The new crossing, opened on 25 August 1998 by transport minister Matthias Wissmann, lets large motor cargo ships with one metre more draught pass and meet each other. Visitors can watch these vessels move along the canal trough above the river.
Visitors can view the bridge from above or from nearby vantage points to watch ships cross through the water channel. The best time to observe activity is during daylight hours when traffic is regular.
The bridge was assembled from 234 prefabricated steel sections joined together on site. A special air bubble system beneath the water prevents ice formation and keeps shipping possible even during winter.
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