The new Heppinger Bridge replaces a historic stone structure that was almost entirely destroyed during the Ahr flood of 2021. Its reconstruction represents a vital step in restoring infrastructure in one of the areas most severely affected by the disaster.
The contemporary design features a single-span beam with opened haunches, spanning 60 metres across the River Ahr. The bridge is conceived as an integral structure, consisting of a steel box girder rigidly connected to the abutments and topped with a composite concrete slab. The load-bearing structure is made of weathering steel, eliminating the need for additional surface treatment and reducing long-term maintenance.
By rigidly connecting the girder to the abutments, the river is crossed without intermediate supports. This allows the structural depth at mid-span to be minimised, thereby maximising the free flow cross-section beneath the bridge. Furthermore, the haunches are opened at the points of restraint, increasing the flow area and improving hydraulic performance in the event of high water levels.
With this design, the new structure fully complies with the updated flood protection requirements for the Ahr Valley and stands as a symbol of resilient and sustainable reconstruction.
