In 2021, the town of Bad Neuenahr was hit hard by the flood disaster. In addition to many buildings, almost all the bridges in the town were destroyed. Our joint design with the landscape planners from Atelier Loidl for the redesign of the riverbank area and the reconstruction of two destroyed bridges prevailed in a two-stage competition.
The urban design offers a sophisticated solution in which the central elements “Ahrboulevard” and “Kurgarten Promenade” are connected via the “Kurgarten Bridge” and the “Casino Bridge”. A riverside path also provides barrier-free access to the river. The promenades, steps and the two bridges blend harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.
The “Kurgarten Bridge” is designed as a deck bridge with a supporting structure underneath, which enables a seamless transition from the “Kurgarten Promenade”. The bridge is low-maintenance, as the steel box girder is directly integrated into the abutments without conventional bridge bearings and only requires external corrosion protection. Both the choice of materials and the design reflect a clear, functional aesthetic that takes flood protection into account while minimizing the maintenance and upkeep of the bridge. In contrast, the “Casino Bridge” provides a functional connection at ground level between the bank areas and can be raised in the event of flooding using a hydraulic drive. As a trough bridge with integrated railings, the supporting structure is efficient and robust. Thanks to the use of corten steel, it is designed for durability and blends naturally into its surroundings.
