Elbe Crossing 2
Elbe Crossing 2 is a group of transmission towers providing overhead lines for four 380 kV three-phase alternating current (AC) circuits across the German river Elbe. It was constructed between 1976 and 1978 to supplement Elbe Crossing 1, and consists of four towers:
The enormous height of the two carrying pylons ensures that the passage height requirement of 75 metres over the Elbe demanded by German authorities is met. The height requirement ensures that large ships are able to enter Hamburg's deep-water port.
Of the 12 power cables of the Elbe crossing 2, only six were used immediately after construction. The others were installed for future use but grounded at the two anchor masts of the Elbe crossing 2 because of the difficulties of pulling cables over the Elbe if more capacity were needed later. In the 1990s it was decided to electrify Schleswig-Holstein's railways and to use some of the unused power lines to supply electric energy to those tracks. As a result, four cables now carry 110 kV single-phase AC for the Deutsche Bahn. This makes the pylons of Elbe Crossing 2 the tallest pylons used for carrying currents for traction current. However the tallest pylons exclusively carrying single-phase AC circuits are that of Bremen-Industriehafen Weser Powerline Crossing.
The pylon of the Elbe 2 crossing near Hetlingen
Close-up view of the construction
Detail view of the pylon
Anchor pylon on the southern side, standing on an 18×18 metres concrete foundation
Coordinates: 53°36′09″N 9°36′14″E / 53.60250°N 9.60389°E
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