Bridge construction means perfect planning, precise and safe execution, and fast logistics. On and above the water, this is a special adventure. At the beginning of 2020, the starting signal was given for the construction of the new Rhine bridge on the A 40 in Duisburg. With a distance of 380 meters between the pylons on both sides of the Rhine, the new bridge will be Germany's longest-span cable-stayed bridge.
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A40 Webcams
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Construction works are carried out simultaneously on both sides of the Rhine. The substructure of the bridge is made up of concrete abutments and piers. The steel superstructure is shifted longitudinally on the substructure in the direction of the Rhine. After the longitudinal shifting process, pylons are erected and steel cables are tensioned, which then hold the bridge sections projecting over the river. Further gigantic steel sections are transported over the already completed sections and installed piece by piece in front of them until both parts of the bridge meet each other halfway over the river and are connected to each other. Finally, the roadway is placed on top.
Bridge construction of this dimension is a masterpiece of planning and logistics.
Frank Feldmann, Projektleiter
The four construction phases
Construction of the Südstrombrücke (Southern Bridge)
Before the old Rhine bridge can be dismantled, a new one must be built. After all, traffic has to keep flowing. In 2023, traffic will then be directed to the new Südstrombrücke.
Demolition of existing bridge
The existing bridge can now be dismantled without stopping shipping on the Rhine. It’s a risky project, because the bridge’s poor condition makes planning difficult. HOCHTIEF is playing it safe and using additional stay cables during the demolition work.
Construction of the Nordstrombrücke (Northern Bridge)
The second new bridge will be erected once the existing bridge is out of the way. The procedure corresponds to that for the construction of the Südstrombrücke. After the work is finished, traffic will be diverted onto the Nordstrombrücke.
Transverse shift of the Südstrombrücke
In a spectacular final act, the Südstrombrücke will be moved sideways by 14.4 meters to ensure a perfect connection to the highway again. A complete cable-stayed bridge has never before been moved in this form. Once the bridge has been moved into place, it will be possible to complete the eight-lane Rhine crossing.
Powerful performance on the Rhine.
New challenge on and over the Rhine
Never before has a cable-stayed bridge been dismantled and demolished in Germany. This is how the demolition works:
A look back at the construction of the first section
After just 40 months of construction, traffic can once again cross the Rhine without restrictions. Traffic is running on the southern section of the bridge. The retrospective shows its construction.
November 6, 2023: Finally, traffic on the A40 is moving again!
After 10 days of full closure between the Duisburg Rheinhausen junction and the Duisburg interchange, traffic has been moving again in six lanes on the A40 since 5 a.m. this morning. Work on the first bridge section of the new Neuenkamp Rhine Bridge is completed, and the congestion across the Rhine is eliminated.
First bridge completed: traffic has been flowing on the first new bridge structure over the Rhine since the beginning of November 2023. The demolition of the old cable-stayed bridge will continue before the second structure is built there.
First bridge completed: traffic has been flowing on the first new bridge structure over the Rhine since the beginning of November 2023. The demolition of the old cable-stayed bridge will continue before the second structure is built there.
First bridge completed: traffic has been flowing on the first new bridge structure over the Rhine since the beginning of November 2023. The demolition of the old cable-stayed bridge will continue before the second structure is built there.
First bridge completed: traffic has been flowing on the first new bridge structure over the Rhine since the beginning of November 2023. The demolition of the old cable-stayed bridge will continue before the second structure is built there.
First bridge completed: traffic has been flowing on the first new bridge structure over the Rhine since the beginning of November 2023. The demolition of the old cable-stayed bridge will continue before the second structure is built there.
Only 30 centimeters are still missing. At the beginning of February, the construction site team lifted and lowered the last large 500-ton steel section of the south bridge. In March, the gap will be closed.
Only 30 centimeters are still missing. At the beginning of February, the construction site team lifted and lowered the last large 500-ton steel section of the south bridge. In March, the gap will be closed.
Only 30 centimeters are still missing. At the beginning of February, the construction site team lifted and lowered the last large 500-ton steel section of the south bridge. In March, the gap will be closed.
Only 30 centimeters are still missing. At the beginning of February, the construction site team lifted and lowered the last large 500-ton steel section of the south bridge. In March, the gap will be closed.
Only 30 centimeters are still missing. At the beginning of February, the construction site team lifted and lowered the last large 500-ton steel section of the south bridge. In March, the gap will be closed.
Only 30 centimeters are still missing. At the beginning of February, the construction site team lifted and lowered the last large 500-ton steel section of the south bridge. In March, the gap will be closed.
Only 30 centimeters are still missing. At the beginning of February, the construction site team lifted and lowered the last large 500-ton steel section of the south bridge. In March, the gap will be closed.
Only 30 centimeters are still missing. At the beginning of February, the construction site team lifted and lowered the last large 500-ton steel section of the south bridge. In March, the gap will be closed.
Only 30 centimeters are still missing. At the beginning of February, the construction site team lifted and lowered the last large 500-ton steel section of the south bridge. In March, the gap will be closed.
Only 30 centimeters are still missing. At the beginning of February, the construction site team lifted and lowered the last large 500-ton steel section of the south bridge. In March, the gap will be closed.
Only 30 centimeters are still missing. At the beginning of February, the construction site team lifted and lowered the last large 500-ton steel section of the south bridge. In March, the gap will be closed.
Only 30 centimeters are still missing. At the beginning of February, the construction site team lifted and lowered the last large 500-ton steel section of the south bridge. In March, the gap will be closed.
Only 30 centimeters are still missing. At the beginning of February, the construction site team lifted and lowered the last large 500-ton steel section of the south bridge. In March, the gap will be closed.
Time lapse: construction of the steel box girders, assembly of pylons, installation of stay cables, March through November, 2022
Time-lapse: construction of bridge auxiliary pier, longitudinal insertion of steel structure, June to December 2021
