New construction project in Darmstadt is progressing – demolition of the old bridge planned for the end of 2027
Plans for the construction of the new Rhine road bridge in Darmstadt have cleared another important hurdle. The Hessian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Areas has approved the third amendment application submitted by the City of Darmstadt. This provides the major project with a legally sound basis for further implementation.
The planning for the replacement bridge was further refined during the approval phase. The preliminary design and structural analysis for the new Rhine road bridge have been available since June. Furthermore, the now-completed geotechnical report revealed that a more cost-effective shallow foundation is possible instead of a more complex deep foundation.
“We are and will remain on the right track,” explain Mayor Hanno Benz and Head of Mobility Paul Georg Wandrey. Even if there isn't visible work taking place on the construction site every day, much continues behind the scenes – from preparatory measures on the construction site and the building itself, to fulfilling the requirements for listed buildings, and on to planning and tendering.
“We thank the responsible ministry for ensuring that the new planning now has a legally sound basis,” said Benz and Wandrey.
Demolition of the old bridge is planned for the end of 2027
A redesign of the bridge structure became necessary because the original plan would have required extensive track closures, which DB InfraGO had not agreed to. These so-called track closures remain a key challenge for the railway.
The previously confirmed period from December 24, 2027 to January 10, 2028 remains unchanged. During this time, the existing Rhine road bridge will be demolished. A further closure is planned for 2028, during which preparatory work for the new abutments will take place.
A planned closure period in May 2029, necessary for further construction, has been cancelled by Deutsche Bahn, according to the city. Mobility officer Wandrey announced further talks: "Our shared goal is to secure the closure periods absolutely essential for the bridge reconstruction. The Rhine Road Bridge is a key infrastructure project for Darmstadt and must not be sidelined by other projects."
New bridge made of Corten steel planned
The new design is intended to make the project less dependent on restrictions in rail traffic. Current plans call for a free-spanning bridge made of weather-resistant Corten steel with arched girders. This will eliminate the need for supports or piers in the track area.
Currently, an assessment is underway to determine which bridge sections can be prefabricated on which side and subsequently assembled. The preliminary planning is now being coordinated with the relevant authorities and agencies and further developed into the detailed design.
More space required during the construction period
The new structure requires more space for the future construction site. Therefore, the construction site logistics are currently being adjusted. This includes taking into account detours for bicycle and pedestrian traffic as well as emergency access routes.
Businesses, residents, and public transport passengers will face further disruptions during the construction period. A rail replacement bus service is also planned to be implemented from October 2027.
The possibility of driving from the south via the road “Am Kavalleriesand” into Zweifalltorweg should be maintained until the start of construction work in autumn 2027.
Mayor Benz thanks the project team: “In a construction project of this magnitude, there are countless dependencies and details that need to be taken into account. Changing circumstances constantly require adjustments to the plans – this is a major task that the project team is handling very well.”
Timetable for the Rhine Road Bridge
The following milestones are currently planned:
- Demolition of the existing bridge: End of 2027
- Completion of the new building: 3rd/4th quarter of 2030
- Resumption of tram service: 1st quarter of 2031
- Completion of the hubs: 1st/2nd quarter 2031
- Dismantling of the one-way street ring: 2nd quarter of 2031
The next steps include further demolition planning, investigations into the dismantling of historical elements of the existing bridge, the awarding of the demolition work, and, starting in March 2027, the dismantling and reconstruction of the overhead lines of DB InfraGO.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
