Lilla Lidingöbron

Situated gracefully over the serene waters of Lilla Värtan, the Lilla Lidingöbron is a modern marvel that seamlessly connects the bustling city of Stockholm with the tranquil island of Lidingö. This bridge, designed specifically for pedestrians, cyclists, and the Lidingöbanan light rail, stands as a testament to innovative design and engineering prowess. With its sleek lines and thoughtful architecture, it offers not just a means of transportation but also an experience of scenic beauty and modern convenience.

A Journey Through History

The story of the Lilla Lidingöbron is intertwined with its predecessor, the Old Lidingö Bridge, which was inaugurated on May 20, 1925. After nearly a century of service, the old bridge was deemed more economical to replace than to repair. Thus, in October 2012, the decision was made by the Lidingö city council to build a new bridge. By August 2014, plans for the new bridge had taken shape, and it was officially named Lilla Lidingöbron to complement the Stora Lidingöbron, or New Lidingö Bridge, completed in 1971.

Architectural Brilliance

The Lilla Lidingöbron was brought to life by the renowned British architectural firm Knight Architects, specialists in bridge design. Their vision was to create a bridge that would visually harmonize with the adjacent road bridge while making the 750-meter-long crossing less monotonous for pedestrians. The result is a bridge that not only serves its functional purpose but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the surrounding area. The bridge's supports are designed to align with those of the neighboring road bridge, facilitating easier navigation for boats passing underneath.

Engineering Feats

The construction of the Lilla Lidingöbron began in the fall of 2018, north of the Old Lidingö Bridge, which remained in use until the new bridge was completed. Spanning over 750 meters with 16 piers and 15 spans, the bridge is a feat of engineering. Its width of over 16 meters accommodates double tracks for the Lidingöbanan and a generous 7.4 meters for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge's height varies from 5.5 meters on the Stockholm side to 7 meters on the Lidingö side, allowing boats to pass underneath without the need for an opening mechanism, unlike its predecessor.

Construction Challenges

Building the Lilla Lidingöbron presented several challenges, particularly in the foundation of its piers. The average water depth in Lilla Värtan is around 20 meters, with an additional 20 meters to reach solid bedrock. This required the use of 198 steel piles, each with a diameter of 800 millimeters. The bridge's superstructure was built using the Movable Scaffolding System (MSS), a method developed in Austria for constructing large bridges in the Alps. This technique involves moving a formwork system from one pier to the next, allowing for the efficient construction of the bridge's spans.

The New Park

On the Lidingö side, plans are underway to create a small park known as Lidingö Brostrand or Brotorget. This area will offer safe traffic connections to and from the new bridge, as well as opportunities for boating and recreation. Additionally, there are plans to reconstruct Ivar Tengbom's small temple-like waiting pavilion, known as Vindarnas Tempel, which has stood on the old bridge since 1925 and served as a wind shelter until the late 1960s.

Facts and Figures

The Lilla Lidingöbron is an impressive structure with a length of 750 meters and a width of 16 meters. Its clearance height ranges from 5.5 meters on the Stockholm side to 7 meters on the Lidingö side. The bridge was commissioned by the Lidingö city and constructed by the Swiss company Implenia, which also undertook the demolition of the old bridge. The total cost of the project was 727 million Swedish kronor, and the bridge is designed to have a lifespan of 120 years.

A Modern Marvel

The Lilla Lidingöbron officially opened its pedestrian and cyclist lanes on October 11, 2022, with the Lidingöbanan light rail scheduled to begin operations on the bridge in May 2023. However, due to technical issues, the light rail service was delayed until May 26, 2024. Despite these delays, the bridge has quickly become a beloved landmark, offering stunning views of the surrounding waters and cityscape.

Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to Stockholm, the Lilla Lidingöbron is a must-see. Its combination of functionality, beauty, and engineering excellence makes it a symbol of modern Swedish infrastructure. So, take a leisurely stroll or a brisk bike ride across this remarkable bridge and experience the seamless blend of urban convenience and natural beauty that it offers.