Construction site update from the Friesen Bridge

Construction works on the new Friesen Bridge over the River Ems in Weener, Lower Saxony, are progressing.

Last month, the first section of the railroad bridge was moved into place and installed. In addition to the two approach superstructures, the new bridge also consists of a 145 m long movable lifting swing bridge span to allow the passage of shipping traffic. sbp is responsible for the execution of the swing bridge and the substructures.

The three sections of the 335 m long steel truss structure are to be installed by the end of the year. After the first approach bridge has been transported in four sections by a floating crane from the port of Papenburg across the Ems to the construction site and placed in its final position, the second section on the other side of the river will follow in October.

Currently, the lifting swing bridge is being pre-assembled in the port of Papenburg and the roof deck of the swing pier is being concreted. In December, the moveable section will then be floated into place and lifted onto the rotating pier.

The railroad bridge is part of the rail link between the German city of Leer and Groningen in the Netherlands, which has been interrupted since a ship collided with the old bridge in 2015. The replacement structure will allow trains to pass through again and offer pedestrians and cyclists a 2.5 m wide crossing as well as a service path on the bridge’s south side. The first trains are due to cross the bridge as early as next year.