Truss Bridge in Rutki – A Monument of Railway and Engineering

The truss bridge in Rutki, erected in 1886 as part of the Pruszcz Gdański – Kartuzy – Lębork – Łeba railway line, is a unique example of engineering in the region. The structure, approximately 100 meters in length and reaching 30 meters in height, stands out with its rare form. Its central span is distinguished by an inverted arch, giving it a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other bridges in Poland. The bridge connects the banks of the Radunia River, and over time, its surroundings have transformed due to a dam and hydroelectric power plant built 150 meters downstream, leading to the creation of a reservoir initially 11 meters deep. At the end of World War II, German forces blew up the bridge, along with a train filled with ammunition. According to local stories, the exact location of the sunken locomotive remains uncertain to this day. A few years after the war, the bridge was rebuilt, restoring the railway connection, though it was not intensively used for many years.