Kotlarski Bridge in Kraków

The Kotlarski Bridge links Grzegórzki with Zabłocie over the Vistula, at the junction of Kotlarska and Herlinga-Grudzińskiego streets. It is one of the newer crossings in the city and stands out for its arched structure.

Structure

According to Wikipedia, it is the longest arch bridge in Poland without a pier in the river. The span is 166 m long and the bridge is 36.8 m wide. The structure consists of four steel arches joined from below by shorter arches and reinforced from above by eight transverse ribs. In the pier on the Grzegórzki side there is a terrace.

History

The bridge was designed by Witold Gawłowski in cooperation with the MTWW design office. It was built in 2000-2001 along the Kotlarska Route and opened on 8 December 2001. It shortened the route from Podgórze to the city centre and relieved, among others, Starowiślna Street. Because of it, the Kraków Wisła and Kraków Grzegórzki railway stations were closed. Since 2010 the Kraków Fast Tram line has run along its middle.

For pedestrians and cyclists

On both sides of the carriageway there are cycle paths and pavements, so the bridge is suitable for a walk between the districts. Nearby are the Museum of Contemporary Art and Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory.

Practical information

• Location: the Vistula, Grzegórzki and Zabłocie.
• Access: from Kotlarska Street on the Grzegórzki side or from Zabłocie from Herlinga-Grudzińskiego Street.
• Free access; the bridge is part of a city road.