Plauer Bridge: Renovation steps and new fundraising campaigns started!

Plauer Bridge: Renovation steps and new fundraising campaigns started!

Since 2015, the districts of Brandenburg an der Havel have been working intensively on the renovation of the Plauer Bridge, an impressive structure whose history goes back to the 13th century. The final construction phase is scheduled to begin in autumn 2023 in order to reopen the crossing to the public by spring 2024 at the latest. These renovations are a joint project between the state and the city, which not only serves to make the bridge usable for traffic and pedestrians, but also contributes to the preservation of a cultural heritage linked to the region. As Meetingpoint Brandenburg describes, both institutions not only invest financial resources, but also mobilize the community to support through fundraising campaigns.

A notable initiative is the “Forge a Bridge” campaign, which collects donations for the restoration of the old Art Nouveau bridge railings. The boat tourists who dock on the banks of the Born river are particularly generous and are helping to save the bridge. For example, the company Metallbau Windeck asked for donations on the occasion of its anniversary, which led to additional railing parts. Local businesses also take an active part in scrap metal campaigns to raise donations. The REWE market in Plaue and “Gabriel’s Favorite Flowers” ​​are just some of the supporters who have collected several hundred euros so far.

Historical significance and renovation costs

The Plauer Bridge, built in 1904, is not only a listed building, but also one of the last significant steel truss bridges in Brandenburg. Your renovation costs amount to around 8,000 euros per railing segment, and the bridge has been the focus of renovation work since 2019. As Plaue Havel reports, 60 heavily corroded railings had to be dismantled. The restoration of these historically valuable railings requires special techniques and is supported by the participation of dedicated trainees, which gives the project additional vitality.

The current renovation phase, which is being carried out in collaboration with the Metallbau Windeck company, involves removing the old connections from the railings, cleaning the individual parts and repairing rusted damage. A particularly prudent step is to use historical fortifications without modifying them, as these will no longer serve as fall protection in the future. In addition, a special construction ensures the assembly of the restored railing segments, which is not only cost-effective but also takes into account the historical character of the bridge.

Joint efforts for the future

Thanks to the committed membership in the Plaue/Kirchmöser SPD local association and other supporters, this work can be realized. We are working together towards a central scrap collection on October 11, 2023, where those interested can drop off their donations in a large container next to the Koenigsmarckstrasse daycare center. The collection of scrap donations in Plaue, Kirchmöser and Wusterwitz is also on the agenda in order to collect as much money as possible for the restoration of the bridge.

The Ministry of Science, Research and Culture in Brandenburg, as the highest monument protection authority, plays an important role in this renovation process. Monument protection in Brandenburg protects existing architectural and garden monuments and ensures that historical places such as the Plauer Bridge are preserved for future generations. Damage limitation through careful restoration is the primary goal here in order to preserve the region's cultural heritage (MWFK Brandenburg).