The Old Brick Bridge across the river Venta was built in 1874. It consists of seven spans of brick vaults. The total length of the bridge is 164 meters, and it is one of the longest clay brick road bridges in the world. The author of bridge vaults and the construction manager was Friedrich Staprani, but the author of the whole bridge complex and the contractor was a very famous architect of that time Otto Dice. Quality of construction works was very high, as the best quality construction materials were used in the construction - labs of the Riga Polytechnic checked bricks and cement mortar. During World War I the Russian army destroyed (1915) two spans of the Brick Bridge. After the war temporary constructions in the place of destroyed spans were built. The spans were restored in 1926, by the project of Pavils Pavulans, professor of University of Latvia. Kuldiga District Council restored the bridge with financial support from the European Regional Development Fund. The cover of bridge deck and sidewalks were changed, but the colour and the design of bridge deck and sidewalks were chosen similar to historical cover. It had new features added including a new lighting system, new rainwater drainage system, and thickened vaults for extra safety. Viewing platforms were also built nearby, while stairs along the remains of the old castle wall were renovated to improve access to the waterfall.

Type of Data Point - Publicly Available Information

The Old Brick Bridge Across the River Venta - Public Info

Visit page of the element - The Old Brick Bridge Across the River Venta

Inserted: 02-08-2022 04:08:43