"We are proud to have reached this important milestone," said Claude Jeutter, Technical Managing Director of PORR in Germany. "The smooth progress of the final advance and the seamless closure of the gap are proof of the excellent cooperation and high level of commitment of our entire team and within the PORR / Plauen Stahl Technologie GmbH consortium."
Highest precision and shoulder to shoulder
The approximately 3,500-tonne hollow steel structure was advanced using state-of-the-art technology: 24 steel cables and hydraulic presses pulled the component 70 meters to the last abutment on the north side. Lubricating soap was used as a lubricant on the underside of the steel box girder. Teflon plates, such as PTFE and MSM, were applied to the swing arms on the 5 structural axes, depending on the load. The precise control and ongoing monitoring of the construction progress was crucial to the success of this challenging project section. Thanks to the close cooperation with the consortium partner Plauen Stahl Technologie GmbH and the client, Die Autobahn GmbH des Bundes, as well as consistent compliance with all safety standards, the final advance was completed on schedule.
Significance for the region
The renovation of the Salzbachtal Bridge is not only a highlight project for PORR, but also an important project for the entire Rhine-Main region. The bridges are a central element in the traffic network. Its completion will significantly improve the flow of traffic and optimize accessibility to the city and the surrounding area.
Outlook
Work on the Salzbachtal Bridge is now entering its final phase. In the coming months, the steel structure will be lowered onto the piers, the bearings will be installed, the concrete deck slab will be laid, the outer and middle caps will be produced and finally the steel-concrete crash barriers (DeltaBlock) and railings will be installed. The bridges are scheduled for completion in summer 2025. Traffic between Frankfurt and the Rheingau will then have six lanes.
"This project is another example of how great things can be achieved through precision and shoulder-to-shoulder cooperation," concludes PORR Project Manager Markus Jahn. "We are delighted that we are now working towards the home straight and making an important contribution to improving the transport infrastructure in Germany."