Editing Slussen (section)

== History ==
[[File:Slussen, flygfoto 2014-09-20.jpg|thumb|The 1935 Slussen interchange in September 2014, before reconstruction.]]

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Slussen has been a vital crossing point in Stockholm for centuries, linking southern roads with the waterways connecting Lake Mälaren to the Baltic Sea. Over time, the area has undergone significant transformations.

'''Early History'''

The first lock at Slussen, known as Queen Christina's Lock, was inaugurated in 1642. It was replaced in 1755 by Christopher Polhem's Lock. Nils Ericson's Lock, built in 1850, followed, allowing ships to traverse the area more efficiently. The final major lock, Karl Johan's Lock, was inaugurated in 1935 as part of the modernisation of the area.

'''1935 Traffic Interchange'''

The 1935 traffic interchange was a pioneering example of functionalist urban planning. Designed by architects Gösta Lundborg and [[Sven Markelius]], the structure was hailed as a modern solution to traffic and pedestrian congestion. However, the innovative "cloverleaf" design proved problematic as traffic volumes increased, leading to congestion and safety concerns.

The interchange became a symbol of Stockholm's modernity in the mid-20th century, but structural issues began emerging as early as the 1940s due to salt corrosion and other damage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tidningar.kb.se/1767385/1946-08-15/edition/11637/part/1/page/3/?q=slussmaskinen%20fr%C3%A4tes%20av%20salt|title=Slussmaskinen frätes av salt}}</ref>

=== Redevelopment 2016–2027 ===
[[File:Slussen 22 juli 2020a.jpg|thumb|The redevelopment of Slussen in July 2020. In the foreground are Katarinavägen and the Slussbron, with the old interchange in the background.]]

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In the early 2000s, the deteriorating state of the 1935 interchange prompted the decision to rebuild the area entirely. A design competition in 2007 led to plans by [[Foster + Partners]] and Berg Arkitektkontor being approved in 2011. Construction began in 2016, with completion scheduled for 2027. The project is to rebuild water regulation infrastructure, while modernising Slussen as a mixed-use public space with improvised public transport.<ref>[https://vaxer.stockholm/nyheter/2016/06/flera-forandringar-i-framkomligheten-under-juni/ Stockholm Municipality]</ref>

==== Cultural and Political Impact ====
The redevelopment project has faced criticism and public debate. Some have opposed the loss of the historic 1935 structure, while others support the need for modernisation. The new design includes parks, plazas, and waterfront promenades, aiming to revitalise the area.<ref>{{Cite news|title=The Slussen Debate in Stockholm|author=Staff|date=25 September 2013|publisher=Stockholm News}}</ref>

==== Golden Bridge and Traffic Layout ====
[[File:Guldbron invigningsdagen 2020-10-25c.jpg|thumb|The ''Golden Bridge'' (''Guldbron'') on its inauguration day, 25 October 2020.]]

A central feature of the new design is the ''Golden Bridge'' (''Guldbron''), officially known as Slussbron, which connects [[Södermalm]] to [[Gamla stan]]. The bridge accommodates vehicle traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. It was manufactured in [[China]] and shipped to Stockholm in 2020, where it opened to traffic on 26 October 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vaxer.stockholm/nyheter/2020/04/da-oppnar-slussbron-for-trafik/ |title=Då öppnar Slussbron för trafik|publisher=Stockholm Municipality}}</ref>