Oder Bridge in Krosno Odrzańskie

The Oder Bridge in Krosno Odrzańskie, also known as Oderbrücke, is an impressive steel structure from the early 20th century, built between 1903 and 1905 on the Oder River. It is a truss bridge with a three-span design, featuring a length of 164.010 meters and a roadway width of 6 meters, making it a key component of National Road 29. The bridge was designed by Ziegler and constructed by the company Beuchelt u. Co. It replaced an earlier Dutch-style bridge with liftable spans, which no longer met the navigational requirements of the Oder. Notably, its architecture retains original decorative elements, such as portals at the pillars and lighting fixtures, adding to its historical character. The crossing is not only a vital transportation link but also a cultural landmark, with residents themselves recognizing it as a symbol of the city, as evidenced by celebrations like the grand festivities marking the 900th anniversary of Krosno’s Old Town. The bridge has undergone numerous transformations, including during World War II, when it was blown up by German defenders. After the war, its damaged elements were repeatedly rebuilt and modernized in response to increasing road traffic. Key milestones included renovation works in 1999–2000 and recent upgrades in 2021–2023, which raised the bridge by 1.84 meters to improve navigation conditions. The rebuilt structure aims to enhance navigability on the Oder River and align the bridge with modern transportation and flood protection standards. The Oder Bridge is now listed in the register of historical monuments, underscoring its historical and cultural significance. Thanks to these efforts, the bridge not only retains its transportation function but also stands as a symbol of a dynamically developing city while preserving its historical value.