Bridges are one of the most creative ideas of mankind. There are several bridge types: beam, cantilever, arch,  suspension, cable-stayed and truss bridges.

And of course there are also different non-standard approaches to where and how to build a bridge. One of these creative bridges is Magdeburg Water Bridge in Germany.

The bridge, which is is 918 meters long, is really a navigable aqueduct that connects the Elbe-Havel and Midland Canals. These two canals meet near Magdeburg on the other side of the Elbe River.

About 68,000 cubic meters of concrete and 24,000 tonnes of steel were used to construct the bridge’s trough. Although construction was planned as far back as 1919, it wasn’t until 1997 when work commenced. By 2003 Magdeburg Water Bridge was totally constructed at a cost of €500 million.

The bridge is locally known as “Wasserstrassenkreuz Magdeburg” and is a favorite travel destination. This bridge was designed to allow the easy transfer of tons of cargo down river.

Magdeburg Water Bridge is really an amazing accomplishment for humanity.

Photo © chris_lori

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