Landmark of structural change
Release: September 30, 2024
Twice over the Emscher, once over the Rhine-Herne Canal - that's what the "leap over the Emscher" achieves here at the water junction in Castrop-Rauxel. The bold construction swings in a double S-shape over the two bodies of water. With the elegant Zügelgurt bridge, the Emschergenossenschaft created a new landmark in the region and a symbol of the Emscher conversion. The impressive bridge structure connects the Castrop-Rauxel districts of Henrichenburg and Habinghorst with the city of Recklinghausen. It connects the city with nature and, with the "Brückenvorplatz West", connects directly to the "Emscherland" nature and water adventure park, which will open in 2023.
The Zügelgurt bridge has an impressive steel weight of 900 tons, a total length of 411.5 meters and spans of 34.5 to 108.0 meters. The 12-meter-high pylon with the two reins supports the two main fields above the waters.
From the bridge, you can watch the shipping traffic on the Rhine-Herne Canal or let your gaze wander over the newly created Emscher terraces with the vineyard. At 2.50 meters wide, the bridge offers space for walking and cycling, and spacious steps in the middle invite you to linger on the bridge.
Planning and construction of the bridge (2019 to 2024)
The Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building (formerly the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Home Affairs) funded the construction of the bridge as part of the federal program "National Urban Development Projects". Since 2014, this has been used to support investment and conceptual projects with particular national or international visibility every year.
The recipient of the funding is the city of Castrop-Rauxel.