Construction commences on Wilhelm-Kaisen-Bridge
The Wilhelm-Kaisen Bridge, connecting Domsheide and Franziuseck, is undergoing a significant maintenance project to reinforce its structural integrity. This prestressing work is aimed at increasing the bridge's load-bearing capacity, ensuring its safety, and extending its service life.
Objective:
The primary objective of this project is twofold: 1. To increase the load-bearing capacity of the Wilhelm-Kaisen Bridge. 2. To maintain and enhance the safety and durability of the bridge.
Timeline:
The prestressing work is scheduled to take place from mid-August to the end of December this year. During this period, the construction team will apply prestressing forces to reinforce the bridge structure.
Traffic Restrictions:
Due to the construction activities, one lane of the Wilhelm-Kaisen Bridge will be closed. Traffic will be regulated with a reduced speed limit, and short-term restrictions or diversions may occur to ensure safety during the work. Drivers should expect potential delays and are advised to plan alternative routes if possible.
Notably, the construction will be fully closed to all traffic from November 7, 2025, to November 10, 2025. Additionally, Herrlichkeit street under the bridge will be half-closed throughout the construction period.
Installation of Prestressing Tendons:
The prestressing tendons will be installed on three separate occasions: January 26 and 27, 2026, and March 23 and 24, 2026. These installations may result in lane narrowing and possible single lane closures.
The work will involve inserting prestressing tendons into the hollow boxes of the Wilhelm-Kaisen Bridge. Most of the work will take place inside the bridge, making it barely noticeable from the outside.
Prestressing Systems:
Once installed, the prestressing tendons will be tensioned using prestressing systems. This process will increase the bridge's load-bearing capacity, making it capable of handling higher traffic loads.
The need for this upgrade is due to the bridge's age and the constantly increasing traffic loads. The successful completion of this project will allow the bridge to lift the general weight restriction and the distance and meeting ban for public transport, increasing the frequency of tram vehicles on the bridge.
The head of the Bridges and Civil Engineering Department of the Office for Streets and Traffic, Thomas Sauer, is overseeing the project to ensure its smooth execution and minimal traffic disruptions. The construction aims to gain further insights into the remaining lifespan of the structure.
The Weser crossing between Domsheide and Franziuseck construction commenced today, marking the beginning of this crucial maintenance effort designed to enhance the bridge's load capacity and ensure its continued service for years to come.
The Wilhelm-Kaisen Bridge project involves the installation and tensioning of prestressing tendons, a form of technology, to increase its load-bearing capacity and ensure its safety. These tendons will be used to reinforce the bridge structure, allowing it to handle higher traffic loads in the future.
