Västerbron

Story

Västerbron is an arch bridge in central Stockholm, Sweden. With a total length exceeding 600 m, 340 m of which stretches over water, it is one of the major bridges in Stockholm, offering one of the most panoramic views of the central part of the city centering on Gamla stan, the old town. Its inauguration on 20 November 1935 made it the second stationary connection between the southern and northern parts of the city, saving the citizens the effort of a ferry ride, which had previously been required, or the congested detour through Gamla stan.SectionsVästerbron can be said to consist of three sections: Västerbron over Riddarfjärden - with two spans stretching over Riddarfjärden. Västerbron over Pålsundet - a simple arch bridge stretching over Pålsundet. Västerbron over Rålambshovsparken - a girderless floor construction stretching from Västerbroplan over Rålambshovsparken to Drottningsholmsvägen near Fridhemsplan.Västerbron over RiddarfjärdenThis is the section most Stockholmers would call "Västerbron proper". It consists of two arches together encompassing slightly more than 600 m, including the viaducts in either side. The southern arch next to Långholmen has a span of 204 m and, stretching over the navigable passage underneath, a vertical clearance of 26 m. The northern arch is smaller with a span of 168 m. This section is 24 m wide with a 19m roadway flanked by 2.5m pavements, dimensions applying to the other sections as well.