Willingen (dpa/lhe) - The construction of one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world in Willingen in northern Hesse will enter a decisive phase this month. "The valley supports are currently being set up, and the cable will be pulled at the end of the month," said a spokeswoman for the Willingen Tourist Information Office. That takes six weeks. After that, the rest of the work should progress very quickly. The municipality is planning a 665 meter long new suspension bridge, which will be built at a height of around 100 meters.
In addition, the four-million dollar project is on schedule. An opening in late autumn or early winter can be expected if nothing comes up. The work started in February. A construction time of eight months had been estimated for the 125-ton Skywalk. With the attraction, the municipality, which is known among other things as a ski resort, wants to further expand its tourism offer.
The community had announced the project as the longest Tibetan-style suspension bridge in the world, measuring 665 meters in length. She should surpass the "516 Arouca" in Portugal with 516 meters in length. However, in May in the Czech Republic a 721 meter long pedestrian rope bridge opened at a height of 95 meters, the "Sky Bridge 721".
According to the municipality, visitors can also get an idea of the construction work themselves. "As soon as the ropes are tightened, the area around the construction site will be closed," said the spokeswoman. But on the weekends, when work is suspended, it is possible to take a funicular to the Willingen ski jump and take a look at the construction site.
