Closing the Gap at 70 Metres Height

Rahmede Viaduct became famous for the spectacular demolition by controlled explosion in May 2023. Since then, construction to replace the structure as fast as possible has been in full swing.

In October 2023, federal transport minister Volker Wissing kicked off construction with the symbolic first hit of the hammer. Now – less than one and a half years later – he visited the site again to experience a special moment: the connection of both bridge halves. During the so-called steel wedding both bridge parts meet and are connected to one another in precise and detailed work steps.

To prepare the “marriage” the two launch noses were disassembled by a 650-tonne auto crane so nothing is in the way to close the gap. Under the watch of the federal transport minister as well as numerous media representatives, the south steel superstructure was ultimately launched up to the north bridge part. As expected, the cantilever arm bended downwards. Both bridge halves were then aligned by a lifting structure. In the next days, they will be fitted and welded.

We are happy to accomplish this important milestone which brings the traffic opening of the first sub-structure much closer. Currently, the project is on schedule, and the second sub-structure is currently under construction as well.

SSF Ingenieure in joint venture with Eberhardt Ingenieure and Schüssler-Plan has been contracted by Autobahn GmbH, the federal highway company, for construction supervision and manufacturing supervision.