The Heppinger Bridge in the Ahr Valley is among the first bridges to be rebuilt following the devastating flood in 2021. Foundation work began as early as September 2024. To ensure a secure anchoring of the bridge’s slender composite structure, deep foundation piles and large abutment blocks were installed.
To maintain flood protection throughout the entire construction period, temporary scaffolding in the Ahr River was avoided. Instead, two towers were erected in the riverbank area, while the central span extends freely over the river.
Construction is progressing on schedule: The five steel components for the superstructure were fabricated by the end of April, then delivered and assembled on site. In early May, the steel segments were lifted into place and welded together. They are currently being concreted into the abutments before the cast-in-place concrete deck is produced. Precast elements serve as lost formwork above the river to reduce the amount of shuttering required.
Following this, waterproofing, railing installation, and connection to the road network will take place. The temporary construction bridge will then be dismantled. Completion of the new Heppinger Bridge is planned for fall 2025.
