Phyllis Brown
The Neue Elbbrücke (New Elbe Bridge) is one of the important bridges in Hamburg, Germany.
It forms part of the larger network of bridges known as the Elbbrücken, which includes the Norderelbbrücken (Northern Elbe bridges) and the Süderelbbrücken (Southern Elbe bridges) that cross the River Elbe.
However, the Neue Elbbrücke is distinct and has its own unique history and characteristics.
Location
The Neue Elbbrücke crosses the Norderelbe, one of the main branches of the Elbe River in Hamburg.
It serves as a crucial connection between the northern parts of the city, including the inner city, and the southern areas like Wilhelmsburg and the port.
This bridge is particularly important for road traffic.
Construction and History
Original Construction:
The Neue Elbbrücke was originally constructed in 1887 and features two wonderful Gothic gateways.
It was built to accommodate the growing need for reliable road transport across the Elbe River, complementing the existing railway bridge from 1872.
Modifications:
The original Neue Elbbrücke was heavily damaged during World War II, as were many other structures in Hamburg.
In 1959, the Neue Elbbrücke underwent significant modifications. Two gothic gates were removed to add an extra lane.
This expansion was necessary to handle the increasing volume of traffic.
However, this modification altered the original design and aesthetic of the bridge, which some consider a loss to Hamburg’s architectural heritage.
Norderelbbrücken and Süderelbbrücken
In Hamburg, the Elbe River splits into two main branches: the Norderelbe (Northern Elbe) and the Süderelbe (Southern Elbe).
The term “Elbbrücken” refers to several bridges that span both the Norderelbe and Süderelbe in central Hamburg.
These bridges are grouped into the Norderelbbrücken (Northern Elbe bridges) and the Süderelbbrücken (Southern Elbe bridges).
Norderelbbrücken (Northern Elbe bridges):
These bridges span the Norderelbe and are a series of structures that include both road and rail bridges.
The Neue Elbbrücke is part of the Norderelbbrücken but is specifically a road bridge.
Süderelbbrücken (Southern Elbe bridges):
These bridges span the Süderelbe, the other main branch of the Elbe River.
They include similar structures for both road and rail traffic but are separate from the Norderelbbrücken and the Neue Elbbrücke.
