General Tadeusz Buk Bridge

The General Tadeusz Buk Bridge is a road crossing over the Pilica river in Spale, leading in the direction of Ciebłowice. It is named after a general, commander of the Land Forces and resident of Spale, who died in the Smolensk plane crash in 2010.

Construction and history of the crossing

The current reinforced concrete structure of the bridge probably dates from 1936 and replaced earlier wooden spans that had previously been used to cross the Pilica at this location. In September 1939 the bridge was partially destroyed: two spans were dismantled to impede German forces crossing the river. After the war the bridge was rebuilt and has since served as a permanent road crossing over the Pilica.

Patron of the bridge

The bridge was named after General Tadeusz Buk in April 2011. The general commanded the Land Forces and was connected to Spale as its resident. He died in the Smolensk plane crash in April 2010 along with other people travelling to mark the anniversary of the Katyn massacre. A plaque dedicated to his memory was placed at the bridge, funded by residents of Spale.

Practical information

• Address: crossing over the Pilica in Spale, in the direction of Ciebłowice
• Access: road leading from the centre of Spale towards the river; the bridge serves as a pedestrian and road crossing
• Nearby: Dożynki Spalskie and building of the former Tsarist carriage house
• What to expect: an operational road crossing with a view over the Pilica and a memorial plaque dedicated to General Tadeusz Buk