Status: 17.09.2024 17:08
Hamburg’s Norderelb Bridge is once again open to all vehicles. It was closed to heavy goods traffic for a short time just under a week ago so that damage could be investigated.
“After calculations and evaluation of the test results, the structural engineers and independent experts have decided to reopen the bridge for heavy goods traffic until further notice,” Autobahn GmbH Nord announced on Tuesday. When the bridge was examined at the end of last week, fine cracks between the weld seam and the material were visible. However, since none of the cracks went all the way through and no relevant deficiencies in the steel thickness were found, heavy goods vehicles could also cross the bridge again.
Final result of the investigation expected in autumn
The Autobahn GmbH expects the final result of the investigation of the Norderelb Bridge with recommendations for action in the autumn. It has decided to monitor the Norderelb Bridge closely from now on. To this end, an additional footbridge is to be built under the bridge. The bridge pylons will also be checked at short intervals. Traffic restrictions must also be expected.
Up to 20 heavy loads transported on the bridge every day
Large-volume and heavy transports include trucks with a total weight of more than 40 tons or a length of more than 20 meters. They are therefore heavier than the usual trailers and semi-trailers. Such transports must be registered with the police. According to the Autobahn GmbH, between 2 and 20 of these particularly heavy or large transporters have been driving over the bridge every day. According to the information, around 136,000 vehicles are currently counted on the bridge every day. This makes the motorway section one of the busiest roads in Germany. An average daily traffic volume of up to 160,000 vehicles is expected for 2030.
Autobahn GmbH: Numerous new buildings required
In order to cope with this volume of traffic, Autobahn GmbH believes that it is essential to expand the A1 between the Hamburg-Südost motorway junction and the Hamburg-Harburg junction, and to build new Norderelbe bridges and Süderelbe bridges. In addition, the Norderelbe motorway junction needs to be renovated.
Norderelb Bridge more than 60 years old
The Norderelb Bridge was opened in 1963 as a four-lane bridge. Since 1986, the hard shoulders have also been used as carriageways. The bridge must last until at least 2029/2030. A new building built parallel to the bridge is then due to be completed.
More information
Hamburg has a lot of renovation work to do. Graphics show where which bridges in the northern German states need to be repaired. (12.09.2024) more
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NDR 90.3 | NDR 90.3 Current | 18.09.2024 | 06:00 a.m.
