The Grain Bridge

Dimensions: length 36 m, width 3.8 m
Year of construction: 2010
Capital investment value: donation
Architects: Boris Podrecca, Saša Dalla Valle

This footbridge over the Ljubljanica, linking the embankments of Petkovškovo Nabrežje and Poljanski Nasip, is a gift to the people of Ljubljana and to the city. The bridge is a concrete arch structure with a hinge at each abutment. In the centre, where the footway widens, is a "piazzetta" with benches.

A piazzetta in the middle of a bridge

The axes of the two footpaths from Usnjarska Ulica and Gestrinova Ulica are horizontally offset and therefore represent a fundamental challenge for the bridge designer.  By designing a small square or "piazzetta" in the centre of the bridge, the architect made it possible for pedestrians to set off over the river from either bank along their own axis, and at the central point, the piazzetta, which is also the highest point above the river, to stop and chat, watch the water flowing beneath the bridge and rest for a moment. The bridge is a concrete arch structure with a hinge at each abutment. Its dual-arch design gives the heavy structure a sense of lightness despite the length of the span. The total length of the bridge is 36 metres and its width is 3.8 metres. At the centre of the bridge, the upper arch is offset to left and right and the footway widens to 5.3 metres and becomes a piazzetta with benches. Stainless steel railings with built-in lighting run the whole length of the bridge on either side. The footway is paved with granite slabs. 

Why the Grain Bridge?

The bridge stands not far from today's Ambrožev Trg. Between 1876 and 1898 this square was known as Žitni Trg or Grain Square, taking its name from the market that used to be held there. Later the name was changed. This is the reason for calling the new bridge the Grain Bridge. It is an agreeable-sounding name and one that calls to mind those distant days when livestock, hay and grain were traded not far away from this spot.