The reason for the planned new construction is the type of steel used in the original structure, which is considered to be at risk of stress corrosion cracking. In combination with the high traffic load, the load-bearing capacity of the structure has been significantly reduced.

The requirements for the new building are correspondingly high: the central requirements were defined in a preceding feasibility study in strategy workshops with representatives from politics and administration. In addition to design aspects, the focus was also on sustainability, resource-saving construction logistics and minimizing traffic restrictions.

First City Councillor and City Planning Councillor Kai-Uwe Hirschheide emphasizes the importance of the next planning step: "By commissioning an experienced engineering firm, we are taking an important step towards realizing the new construction of the Berlin Bridge. The plans are now being fleshed out, focusing on construction logistics, traffic routing and the location over the railroad line and Mittelland Canal in addition to structural and design aspects. Our aim is to create an efficient, well-designed and sustainable infrastructure with as little disruption as possible for all road users during the construction period."

Challenging location

The Berlin Bridge crosses both the Deutsche Bahn high-speed line and the Mittelland Canal. The construction site is very limited in terms of space and therefore poses particular logistical challenges that need to be taken into account in the planning.

The next concrete steps will be initiated with the preliminary and design planning that has now started. A period of around one year is planned for these planning phases.