Luxembourg's Blue Bridge

Bridges are a big deal around here. They are the main way we traverse the amazing river valleys that surround our lovely capital. There are three major bridges in the Ville. The newest (ca 1966) is the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge which is affectionately referred to as the Red Bridge. This spans the Alzette River and the Pfaffenthal neighborhood. The Red Bridge does have a bit of a dubious past. Certainly a fall from 275 feet would do the trick.

Photo - www.ekimpix.lu

The oldest of the main bridges is the iconic Viaduct which links the Bonnevoie neighborhood and Gare to the main city center. The "Old Bridge" as it's referred to was built in 1861 to create access to the train station which was located away from the city center to preserve the strategic nature of the city-fortress. Known in French as the Passerelle it stretches over the Petrusse River with a series of arches that are breathtaking to see. It's amazing to think that a bridge built in the 19th century still allows modern trucks and traffic to flow into the city center!

That brings us to the Pont Adolphe, or the "New Bridge"named for Grand Duke Adolphe who ruled Luxembourg during its construction. Built in 1903 this is now the main way out of the city center on the way to the Gare (our train station). The Adolphe Bridge has become a sort of unofficial symbol of Luxembourg…much to the chagrin of folks living in other parts of the Grand Duchy. It really is a lovely bridge, and it affords some of the best panoramas of the City of Luxembourg.

The view from the Pont Adolphe last Autumn

Unfortunately the years of wear and tear on the old girl have taken their toll. The city has decided to completely overhaul the overpass. In order to do this, the city elders have decided to erect an entirely new "New Bridge"! Nicknamed the "Blue Bridge" the temporary span went up in just months and is set to be fully operational in March. The Pont Adolphe isn't scheduled to reopen until 2017, so if you plan of visiting Luxembourg anytime soon, you'll be treated to our latest and most temporary crossway over the Petrusse Valley.

It's incredible to see something this huge go up so fast!

Photo - www.wort.lu