Initial rebuilding
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| After the war
a second track was added to the "Gummibahn" but this
was not enough to handle the rapidly recovering rail traffic
needing to use the bridge. An emegency solution needed to be
found. Damaged pillars were removed to allow for a steel bridge
to be constructed. |
 |
| The rail authorities
managed to purchase a 161m long steel bridge originally produced
for the Wermacht. Work was begun in 1946 and the Schildesche
(western) side of the viaduct was opened for goods train use
in April 1947. Passenger trains were obliged to continue using
the "Gummibahn". |
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| This situation
could not go on for ever as the "Gummibahn" was expensive
to run and maintain. Its use annually added 15,000 km of travel
and three extra railway crossings had to be provided for local
roads. |
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