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The Hamburg Senate has officially unveiled the winning design for the new Köhlbrand Bridge, a critical infrastructure project set to replace the city’s aging transport artery. The current structure, which has served the harbor for over 50 years, has reached a point where continued maintenance is no longer economically viable.
The chosen design, presented by a consortium of architectural and engineering firms including sbp, Grassl, and WTM Engineers, in cooperation with gmp and PPL, is described as a modern homage to the existing landmark. While retaining the iconic silhouette of the original, the new bridge features significant technical advancements. The pylons, which support the main span, will be constructed from concrete rather than steel, and the central section will be suspended by cables positioned between the lanes rather than on the sides.
Key Features of the New Infrastructure
- Increased Clearance: The roadway will be elevated to 73.5 meters, 20 meters higher than the current bridge, to allow larger modern vessels to access the harbor areas behind it.
- Extended Ramps: Due to the increased height, the approach ramps on both the east and west sides will be extended by 500 meters.
- Total Length: The entire structure will span five kilometers.
Economic Senator Melanie Leonhard (SPD) emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "The new bridge is a homage to the old one." Maren Wolff, the project leader, added that the new structure is set to become a "new Hamburg icon."
The timeline for the project has been accelerated, with the Senate now aiming to apply for the planning approval decision by 2030. If the current pace of planning and construction continues, the bridge is expected to be opened to traffic by the late 2030s. The total cost is estimated at 5.3 billion euros, with the federal government committing to cover half of the net construction costs. Senator Leonhard expressed confidence that the project would remain within the established financial framework.
An exhibition showcasing the new design is open to the public in the Hamburg City Hall (Rathausdiele) until June 24. This project marks a significant step forward in securing the future of Hamburg’s vital harbor infrastructure.
Source: NDR.de
