The history of the railway bridge in Wettenberg ends after 146 years

The history of the railway bridge in Wettenberg ends after 146 years

An important chapter in the history of the Augarten railway bridge in Wettenberg has ended. Last Saturday, December 22, 2024, the 146-year-old bridge was dismantled using a 480-ton crane. For safety reasons, after engineers discovered alarming defects, the local council decided to remove the structure. “It would be unimaginable if a screw had fallen on someone’s head,” said a concerned citizen about the risks posed by the dilapidated bridge Giessener Anzeiger reported.

The dismantling of the bridge, which was once part of the historic cannon railway that connected Berlin with Metz, took longer than planned due to unforeseen challenges. At the time of dismantling, the community was divided on the need for demolition, while some residents looked back wistfully on the bridge. “It's a shame that it's no longer there,” said one resident, who associated many memories with it.

New quiet zone at the Iller entrance

While a historic building was being dismantled in Wettenberg, there are plans for a new quiet zone in Illerbeuren. The local council has unanimously decided to provide funds amounting to around 6,000 euros for the construction of a second access to the Iller, which is to be built at the almost completely renovated historic railway bridge. Mayor Hermann Gromer sees this as an opportunity to further revitalize the region. This new zone will be accessible through a paved area of ​​250 square meters and a footpath from the lower Illerstrand directly under the bridge arch, reports All-in.de.