Pedestrians and cyclists now have access to a newly opened Frisian bridge
The long-awaited Friesen Bridge in East Frisia, which serves both vehicles and pedestrians/cyclists, has finally reopened for the public. The bridge, located at Weener and crossing the Ems River, was rebuilt following its destruction in 2015 when a freighter rammed the then-closed swing bridge.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) announced the completion of work on the pedestrian and cycle path on the new Friesen Bridge, marking a significant milestone in the region. However, at this time, the bridge does not cater to passenger trains.
Upon closing of the bridge around 2:00 PM for lift-and-turn operations, Weener and Westoverledingen will be reconnected for pedestrians. The new Friesen Bridge, measuring 335 meters long, is the largest lift-and-turn bridge for railway traffic in Europe, according to the railway company.
The movable part of the Friesen Bridge opens for shipping on the river, ensuring smooth navigation for vessels while accommodating both ship traffic and future demands. The resumption of cross-border rail traffic on the Wunderline between Germany and the Netherlands, however, remains uncertain due to recent construction delays. The railway company expects the service to resume by the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026 at the earliest.
The previous Ems crossing in the region has been interrupted for pedestrians, cyclists, and rail traffic since the destruction of the previous bridge in 2015. The new Friesen Bridge, rebuilt for pedestrian and cyclist access, is now accessible for these groups, providing much-needed relief to the local community and travellers alike.
The new Friesen Bridge was built to widen the ship passage on the Ems River, ensuring better accommodation for both ship traffic and future demands. The pedestrian and cycle path on the new railway bridge, along with the approaches on land, have almost been completed.
The Friesen Bridge over the Ems at Weener is now open for pedestrians and cyclists, offering a safe and efficient route for those travelling on foot or by bike in the region. The new bridge is a testament to the resilience and determination of the local community and the railway company in rebuilding and improving the essential infrastructure in East Frisia.
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