Design of the Three Nations Footbridge Over the Nysa Łużycka River

The idea of enabling pedestrian communication over the border between Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic has become real only after all the three countries joined the European Union and the borders have been opened. It was particularly supported by the inhabitants of neighbouring towns (Bogatynia, Zittau and Hrádek nad Nisou) and tourists visiting this corner of Lusatia. A tender for design of the new footbridge was concluded in 2017 at the initiative of the authorities of the Lower Silesian Voivodship, with the support of local government authorities of foreign partners. This paper presents selected examples of international footbridges built in Europe and connecting Poland with neighbouring countries. The main attention is focused on the new footbridge that is to be built as a part of the pedestrian and bicycle path network at the tri-border area of Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic. It will consist of the main footbridge – a steel three-arm cable stayed structure over the Nysa Łużycka River and three multi-span reinforced concrete structures providing access from each of the countries. A central platform will connect the three arms above the tripoint. It can be hoped that the new footbridge, apart from its utilitarian function, will become a symbol of cooperation between the Polish, Czech and German nations in the united Europe.

This creative work is copyrighted. The copyright holder(s) do(es) not grant any usage rights other than viewing and downloading the work for personal use. Further copying or publication requires the permission of the copyright holder(s).