Chemnitz Viaduct

Preservation is an example of civic engagement

The railway viaduct was originally intended to be demolished by its owner, Deutsche Bundesbahn AG. Committed people successfully campaigned for its preservation. Today, the viaduct stands as a symbol of civic commitment. The Viadukt e.V. citizens' association was founded for this purpose and was also involved in the development of the European Capital of Culture 2025 programme.

Der erhöhte Aussichtspunkt „Balkon“ im Norden des Areals bietet einen freien Blick auf das Eisenbahnviadukt, eingefasst von historischen Geländerpfosten des alten Bauwerks.
Der neu geschaffene Aussichtspunkt „Balkon“ mit historischen Geländerpfosten des alten Viaduktes ermöglicht einen eindrucksvollen Blick auf das Eisenbahnviadukt und die Stadt. Picture: Franziska Wöllner

New entrance to the city park created

Construction of the western section of the park at the railway viaduct begins

The redesign of the area at the entrance to the city park has created various places to linger, turning the small park into a meeting place for all age groups. The viaduct itself was staged and emphasised as an architectural element.

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Sitzbank aus historischen Brückenelementen auf der Interventionsfläche neben dem Aussichtspunkt „Balkon“ und im Hintergrund das Eisenbahnviadukt.
Eine Sitzbank aus historischen Brückenelementen und der Aussichtsbalkon mit Blick auf das Eisenbahnviadukt laden zum Verweilen ein. Picture: Franziska Wöllner
Tischtennisplatte und Sitzbank aus historischen Brückenelementen auf der Multifunktionsfläche, im Hintergrund das Eisenbahnviadukt.
Eine gepflasterte Multifunktionsfläche bietet Platz für Bewegung – etwa an der neu installierten Tischtennisplatte. Picture: Igor Pastierovic

Viaduct set in scene - park as part of an art trail

Viaduct set in scene - park as part of an art trail

An asphalted cycle path connects the pedestrian and cycle bridge with Beckerstrasse, while a park path provides an additional connection to the city park. These paths in the western section lead to viewing and information points. A new path was created in the eastern section of the park, where a seating sculpture made from historic bridge elements invites visitors to relax. A paved multifunctional area offers space for exercise, e.g. at a table tennis table. In future, the art project "Treibgut - Stadtgut - Rettungsring" by the Chemnitzer Künstlerbund e. V. will be on display in an area next to it. It blends harmoniously into the surroundings.

Particular highlights of the redesign are the viewing and information points. The northern viewing point has been raised and offers an unobstructed view of the viaduct and the city of Chemnitz. This "balcony" was framed with historical balusters and a new railing. Bicycle racks have been installed at the southern recreation area. Information boards in both areas provide visitors with interesting details about the viaduct.

Kilometerstein im Vordergrund, im Hintergrund eine Sitzskulptur aus ehemaligen Brückenelementen im Anschnitt.
Drei Sitzskulpturen aus ehemaligen Brückenelementen und geborgene Kilometersteine der Bahnstrecke an den Weggabelungen verleihen der Interventionsfläche einen eisenbahntypischen Charakter. Picture: Franziska Wöllner

Three seating sculptures made from former bridge elements and the salvaged kilometre stones from the railway line, which are placed at the forks in the path, give the site a special character. The embankments have been landscaped and large areas have been planted with wild flowers and trees. Gaps in the edge of the forest were closed with new plantings.


Intervention area at the railway viaduct is "Fertsch"

The intervention area below the railway viaduct was opened on 23 August 2025 as part of the "Fertsch" weekend, which celebrated the completion of almost all intervention areas. Despite the rainy weather, numerous guests came to celebrate with a colourful entertainment programme for young and old.


Chemnitz viaduct officially opened

On 4 September 2024, Open Monument Day, the Mayor of Chemnitz Michael Stötzer, Saxony's Transport Minister Martin Dulig and representatives of Deutsche Bahn officially put the Chemnitz railway arch back into operation with a ceremony. Although the trains on the railway arch never stood still, all construction work has now been completed.

Chemnitz viaduct officially opened

Freigabe für das Viadukt: Ingrid Felipe, Vorstand Infrastrukturplanung und Projekte DB Infrago, Prof. Corinna Salander, Leiterin Abteilung Eisenbahnen im Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr, Martin Walden, Konzernbevollmächtigter der Deutschen Bahn für Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt und Thüringen sowie Verkehrsminister Martin Dulig.
Picture: Peggy Schellenberger

2,500 tonnes of steel over 275 metres of bridge and more than 10,000 rivets that had to be replaced - the viaduct in Altchemnitz has been completed and the Chemnitz railway arch with it.

On 4 September 2024, Open Monument Day, the Mayor of Chemnitz Michael Stötzer, Saxony's Transport Minister Martin Dulig and representatives of Deutsche Bahn officially put the Chemnitz railway arch back into operation with a ceremony. Although the trains on the railway arch never stood still, all the construction work has now been completed.

The modernisation of the Chemnitz railway arch, which stretches from Augustusburger Straße to the Chemnitz Mitte stop, began in 2019. Deutsche Bahn has renewed the track systems, signals and overhead lines and made the Chemnitz Mitte and Chemnitz Süd stops barrier-free. In addition, four bridges along the almost three-kilometre-long line were renewed. The city of Chemnitz rebuilt the road overpass on Zschopauer Straße.

Das Viadukt wurde am 4. September 2024 durch den Eigentümer Deutsche Bahn eingeweht.
Picture: Peggy Schellenberger

2,500 tonnes of steel over 275 metres of bridge and more than 10,000 rivets that had to be replaced - the viaduct in Altchemnitz has been completed and the Chemnitz railway arch with it.

The modernisation of the Chemnitz railway arch, which stretches from Augustusburger Straße to the Chemnitz Mitte stop, began in 2019. Deutsche Bahn has renewed the track systems, signals and overhead lines and made the Chemnitz Mitte and Chemnitz Süd stops barrier-free. In addition, four bridges along the almost three-kilometre-long line were renewed. The city of Chemnitz rebuilt the road overpass on Zschopauer Straße.