New Connection Above Railway Tracks

Since March 2022, SSF has been charged with project control and management for the demolition of an old structure at Passau central station as well the new construction of the footbridge over the railway tracks. The structure – an around 100-metre-long and 50-metre-wide superstructure from the late 1960s – has become outdated. It did no longer meet modern technological standards; especially because of severe damages at the tension cords a demolition was inevitable.

Demolition works had already started last year while rail traffic was maintained – a particular challenge for all participants. First, the rising components of the superstructure were dismantled to make space for preassembly of the new bridge structure.

A significant milestone has now been reached: during several track closures on weekends, the truss girders of the new superstructure were successfully placed. Important cables and pipes were pre-mounted as well, amongst them two district-heating pipes with an external diameter of 560 mm each, which will run directly along the bridge.

During the next months, more technical adaptations will be implemented: the district-heating pipes will be reconnected, the bridge linked to the existing stairwell and large parts of the overhead cables and technological railway equipment, mounted at the old superstructure, will be renewed. Only after that, the actual demolition of the old superstructure will begin.

Due to the complex conditions and numerous track closures, construction will likely last until the end of 2026. After completion the new footbridge will be handed over to the city of Passau and will markedly improve the connection between Grünaustrasse and central station.