New Sternbrücke Bridge Installation Underway in Hamburg: A Masterpiece of Logistics
Hamburg, July 23 – The installation of the new Sternbrücke bridge is one of the most spectacular construction projects in Hamburg. The new bridge, a massive steel structure weighing approximately 4,500 tons, has been assembled near Schulterblatt and is scheduled for transport to the railway embankment on July 30. This complex operation involves moving the 108-meter-long, 21-meter-wide, and 25-meter-high bridge on specialized multi-wheeled transporters, making it a significant logistical challenge.
Logistical Marvel: Moving a 4,500-Ton Bridge
The transport of the new Sternbrücke bridge is a feat of engineering and coordination. On July 30, the enormous structure will be moved from its assembly point, approximately 500 meters away, to the railway embankment. “The heavy-duty equipment comes from Canada, Africa, and all over Europe,” stated Janna Widmaier, project manager for Deutsche Bahn, emphasizing the global effort involved. The bridge will be guided through a narrow corridor, passing a gas station with mere centimeters to spare on each side, requiring millimeter-precise remote control by a team of over 100 specialists.
Preparations for the transport have been extensive. Numerous streetlights were cut down, and the canopy of the gas station was trimmed. Additionally, 86 trees were felled as part of the construction work to accommodate the massive structure. The road surface has also been specially reinforced to withstand the immense weight, and height differences between curbs and the road have been leveled, as the ‘Tausendfüßler’ (centipede) transporters cannot handle significant inclines.
Timeline and Installation Process
The steel girders of the old Sternbrücke bridge are expected to be dismantled between Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25. The transport of the new bridge is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 30, and is projected to take approximately 12 to 15 hours to reach its final position above Stresemannstraße. Once at the construction site, the bridge will be rotated into the correct orientation and then precisely lowered onto huge hydraulic cylinders by a specialized team. After placement, the railway tracks will be reconnected. Deutsche Bahn’s schedule anticipates the transport on Thursday and Friday, with the final installation occurring over the weekend. A smooth process could potentially expedite the installation.
Safety Concerns and Mitigation Measures
Despite meticulous planning, the project is not without its challenges and concerns. The Hamburg Left Party has raised warnings about potential damage to underground sewers and cable shafts due to the immense weight of the bridge during transport. In response, the Senate has stated that all protective measures are continuously coordinated with Deutsche Bahn and utility companies. However, the Federal Railway Authority acknowledges an unavoidable residual risk associated with a transport of this magnitude.
For safety reasons, residents in the immediate vicinity will need to evacuate their homes during the maneuver, as access for emergency services will be impossible. Pedestrian access on Max-Brauer-Allee, between Stresemannstraße and Schulterblatt, will be completely closed from July 31 to August 2. Homes and businesses along this section will be inaccessible via Max-Brauer-Allee during this period.
Impact on Traffic and Public Transport
The construction project, which replaces a bridge dating back to 1926, is expected to be completed by the end of August. Rail traffic is scheduled to resume on August 31, and the Max-Brauer-Allee / Stresemannstraße intersection is planned to reopen on September 2. However, traffic restrictions will continue until November due to ongoing work on adjacent areas within the intersection. The exchange of the Sternbrücke has already led to significant traffic problems in Hamburg, with the Max-Brauer-Allee / Stresemannstraße intersection being closed. Barriers were installed to prevent cars from using shortcuts through the Schanzenviertel, which also caused issues.
Until the end of August, long-distance and regional trains, as well as S-Bahn services in Hamburg, will be affected by diversions and closures. Restrictions will also be in place in the surrounding areas. These measures are necessary to facilitate the safe and efficient installation of the new bridge, which is a crucial component of Hamburg’s infrastructure development.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/wie-laeuft-der-einbau-der-neuen-sternbruecke-ab,sternbruecke-152.html
