Margaret Bridge, Road-rail bridge in Budapest, Hungary
Margaret Bridge is a road and rail crossing in Budapest, Hungary, extending 607 meters and composed of three segments that link both Danube shores with Margaret Island. The steel construction rests on robust piers and features characteristic arches that give the structure its distinctive shape.
French engineer Ernest Goüin designed the crossing and built it between 1872 and 1876, making it the second permanent span over the river in the city. German forces destroyed it in 1945 during the war but reconstruction took place between 1946 and 1948 with adjustments to the original plan.
The structure connects both halves of the city with the central island and serves as a major crossing for commuters traveling between the riverbanks. Many residents use the tram tracks to quickly move across the river while cyclists and pedestrians have dedicated lanes on the northern side.
Crossing on foot takes about ten minutes while cyclists use dedicated lanes and drivers have four traffic lanes available. Access to the central island comes from a ramp branching off the middle of the structure so visitors can reach it directly.
During renovation work in 2011, crews discovered historical objects and human remains in the riverbed that shed new light on events from World War II. The findings helped researchers understand previously unknown details about the final days of the war in the city.
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