Göta älvbron 3.1

Götaälvbron is a bascule bridge in central Gothenburg, Sweden, carrying normal road vehicles and trams. The bridge was constructed in 1937 to 1939 and in 1966 it was widened. Constructed of steel beam, the bridge has a total length of 927m and width of 20m. The mid span has a free height of 19.5m.GeographyThe bridge connects the island of Hisingen with the main land of Gothenburg between Nils Ericssongatan and Hjalmar Brantningsgatan on Hisingen. The bridge crosses the river just east of Lilla Bommen on the mainland side and just east of Freeport on the Hisingen side.HistoryAs far back as the 1870s, there were discussions about a high bridge in Majorna, from Bangatan to Skat Mountain in Lindholmen. In 1904, it was proposed to build a tunnel between the Lilla Bommen and Tingstadsvassen. After the decision that the old bridge of Hisingen would be replaced, the choice was between a new bridge or a tunnel. A principle decision was taken in 1933 on what would become a "Götaälvbro" and the question was consequently put on hold for some time. Preparatory ground works began in November 1935.The bridge is used by motor vehicles, trams, bicycles and pedestrians. The bridge cost 8.2 million Swedish kronor (SEK) to construct, of which the state contributed 25%. With access points included the final cost were 13 million SEK.The bridge was built mainly by Germans and was inaugurated on 26November 1939 by Communications Minister Gerhard Strindlund, in the presence of representatives of port authorities from Oslo, Copenhagen and Helsinki. At the time, the bridge was only four-lane, but was later expanded by one lane and walking and cycle tracks on each side.