Germany Bridge FDC

Germany FDC
Name: 100th Anniversary of Kaiser-Wilhelm-Brücke(Emperor Wilhelm Bridge)
Issue date: 2007 August 9th

The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Brücke ("Emperor Wilhelm Bridge") is a swing bridge in Wilhelmshaven. It was build between 1905 (beginning) and 1907 (completion) as Europe's biggest swing bridge. The design scheme was created by Ernst Troschel, it was built by MAN Nuremberg.

The bridge has a length of 159 m and a width of 8 m. The two pillars are 20,4 m tall. The Kaiser Wilhelm-bridge connects the beach (Südstrandpromenade) with the South Quarter.

The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Brücke is the town's landmark. In 2007 a stamp with the bridge is expected to be produced.

In 2003 the rotary mechanics of the southern part of the bridge were damaged by a Tugboat-Accident (collision with a frigate) and had to be repaired partially.

The maximum passage hight is 9,00 m at + 1,10 m medium water-level in the harbor, the passage width is 58,60 m.

On the bridge the road traffic can only drive one way at the same time. It is controlled by traffic lights. Before it tilts out the bridge is blocked for the whole traffic by light signals and pikes.