Kaiser Wilhelm Bridge
{{Short description|Swing bridge in Wilhelmshaven, Germany}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2024}}
Image:Kaiser-Wilhelm-Bridge, Wilhelmshaven, open.jpg
The Kaiser Wilhelm Bridge ({{langx|de|Kaiser-Wilhelm-Brücke}} or "Emperor William Bridge") is a swing bridge in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, and the town's landmark.
Location
The Kaiser Wilhelm Bridge connects the beach (Südstrandpromenade) with the South Quarter.
History
Construction began in 1905, and at its completion in 1907 it was Europe's longest swing bridge. The design scheme was created by Ernst Troschel, construction was executed by MAN Nuremberg.{{Cite web |title=Kaiser Wilhelm Bridge – Wilhelmshaven, Germany - Atlas Obscura |url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/kaiser-wilhelm-bruker |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119094458/https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/kaiser-wilhelm-bruker |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |access-date=January 15, 2024 |website=Atlas Obscura}}
In 1998 the rotary mechanics of the southern part of the bridge were damaged when a tugboat collided with a frigate and had to be partially repaired. In 2003, a cargo ship rammed and slightly damaged the bridge.
From September 2010 to September 2013, the bridge was closed to the public for repairs.
Specifications
Image:Kaiser-Wilhelm-Brücke (Wilhelmshaven)-msu-2020-0142.jpg
The bridge has a length of {{convert|159|m|ft}} and a width of 8 m. The two pillars are 20.4 m tall. The maximum passage height is 9.00 m at + 1.10 m medium water-level in the harbour, the passage width is 58.60 m.
On the bridge the road traffic can only drive one way at the same time. It is controlled by traffic lights. Before it tilts out the bridge is blocked for the whole traffic by light signals and pikes.
Postage stamp
In 2007, Deutsche Post released a 1.45-euro stamp to commemorate the centennial of the bridge.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category-inline|Kaiser-Wilhelm-Brücke (Wilhelmshaven)|Kaiser Wilhelm Bridge}}
This article was translated from the German Wikipedia article on December 15, 2006.
{{coord|53|30|49|N|8|08|07|E|display=title|region:DE_type:landmark_source:dewiki}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Buildings and structures in Wilhelmshaven
Category:Bridges completed in 1907
Category:Road bridges in Germany
{{Germany-bridge-struct-stub}}