Oberau Tunnel

Although the Leipzig–Dresden railway ran over the fairly flat terrain of northern Saxony, the northern slopes of the Dresden Basin[1] meant that a tunnel was required because at that time it was believed that trains on major railways could not climb significant slopes.

Similarly, the Berlin-Dresden railway, which was built half a century later, partly running parallel with it, has its steepest gradients in this area.

[1] The tunnel was completely lined with 8,900 m³ of Elbe Sandstone to reduce the water inflow.

From 1933 to 1934, Oberau Tunnel was converted into a cutting because of its restricted structure gauge and the severe damage caused by water and frost during its operation.

The Dresden coat of arms was placed on the left and is now located on a memorial stone next to the road bridge.