What is the status of construction work on the new Rader High Bridge? We were once again given the opportunity to view the "construction of the century" being built right on our doorstep.
Conclusion: Everything on schedule.
It carries the A7 over the Kiel Canal, is 1.5 km long, a maximum of 42 meters high and is crossed by around 54,000 cars every day. The old 4-lane Rader high bridge was put into operation in 1972 after 4 years of construction. Cost: 44.2 million DM.
In 2014, a structural inspection revealed a crucial weak point in the steel box girder bridge: The pier compression heads can no longer safely bear the loads in the long term. The remaining service life was set at 12 years, meaning that the new bridge must be completed in 2026.
Implenia Construction GmbH has been operating since 2023. We are therefore working flat out on the realization of the first bridge structure. Members of the Trebes team from all locations and departments - together with interested parties from our partner companies and alumni who have remained connected to us - took the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes and marvel at the work at close quarters.
Result: The new elevated bridge is being built as a hybrid construction directly next to the existing bridge. The deep foundation of the bridge piers was carried out with the help of floating work platforms on the water. In the northern section, the steel superstructure will be pushed over 1,000 m freely over the reinforced concrete supports to the NOK using the incremental launching method. An enormous feat of strength, as up to 10,000 tons of steel are being moved here. The hybrid columns made of steel and reinforced concrete are being constructed with special formwork directly on the NOK at a lofty height of up to 42 m, freely suspended.
Schedule: Once the eastern half of the bridge is completed in 2026, traffic will be diverted onto the new bridge - the old bridge will be demolished at the same time. Construction of the western half of the bridge is planned from 2028, with overall completion expected in 2030. The construction costs are estimated at €840 million.
All in all, an enormous engineering achievement that inspires and excites us! We are delighted to be able to play our part in the overall construction project by providing planning and inspection services for ancillary structures and are looking forward to the next flying visit!
Further information under: Deges Rader High Bridge
