Średnicowy Bridge

Średnicowy Bridge is a railway viaduct over the Vistula in central Warsaw with four large metal arches, each spanning more than 90 meters. The structure carries four railway tracks for long-distance and commuter trains and is supported by sturdy piers set in the river.

Construction started in 1921 and finished a decade later, creating a vital railway crossing over the river. During World War II, German forces destroyed it, but it was rebuilt between 1945 and 1949 with some changes to the original design.

The bridge takes its name from its role crossing the Vistula and has become a familiar landmark for Warsaw residents over many decades. Daily, thousands of commuters experience it as a normal part of their journey, watching the river pass beneath the train cars.

The bridge is visible from railway stations and can be crossed only by trains arriving from both sides of the river. Visitors can best view it from trains or from the riverbanks, as pedestrian access is not available.

The structure actually consists of two independent bridge decks sharing common piers but functioning as two separate roadways. Looking carefully, you can see it is two side-by-side structures even though at first glance it appears as one unified construction.