Maria Skłodowska-Curie Bridge in Warsaw

The Maria Skłodowska-Curie Bridge in Warsaw, also known as the Northern Bridge, was opened in March 2012 as the northernmost crossing over the Vistula River in the capital. Its structure includes two roadways with three lanes in each direction, bicycle paths, sidewalks, and tram tracks, and the entire bridge is part of National Road 61. The bridge was built as an extension of General Maria Wittek Avenue on the western bank and General Ryszard Kukliński Avenue on the eastern bank. It is the second crossing, after the Świętokrzyski Bridge, that descends to ground level on both banks, and the route in Białołęka runs at surface level, which is a rather unusual urban planning solution. The history of the bridge's construction dates back to 2002, when the Warsaw authorities began preparations for its implementation, despite numerous protests related to documentation and development conditions. Construction began in 2009, and the project ultimately faced delays, including those caused by the 2010 flood. In March 2012, the road traffic part of the bridge was opened, and trams began running in January 2013. The name of the bridge evolved from "Northern Bridge," and in 2011, the year of Maria Skłodowska-Curie, a decision was made to name it after the distinguished Nobel laureate, which met with mixed public opinions. However, the Warsaw City Council ultimately adopted this name. Interestingly, despite the widespread preference for the old name, Maria Skłodowska-Curie became a woman honored in Warsaw's public space, strengthening the social memory of her achievements in the field of science. The bridge is a significant infrastructural element, and its construction involved many challenges, updating the need for modern transportation in the developing city.