Stretching across the S\u00fcderelbe, this bridge is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. The S\u00fcderelbebr\u00fccke is a vital artery in Hamburg’s transportation network. It carries the A1 autobahn over the S\u00fcderelbe. This connects Stillhorn and Harburg.
The Elbbr\u00fccken in Hamburg are more than just crossings. They are a family of independent structures. These bridges span the Elbe River in this vibrant German city. The Elbe splits into two main branches here. There is the Norderelbe and the S\u00fcderelbe.
These bridges link the northern parts of the city to the Elbe islands. They also connect to the harbor area and Harburg. Harburg lies south of the Elbe. The S\u00fcderelbebr\u00fccken are essential for local and European traffic. They form a critical north-south connection.
Let’s delve into the S\u00fcderelbebr\u00fccke itself. It stretches an impressive 970 meters. As part of ongoing expansion work on the A1, the Moorwerder highway bridge is also being replaced. The new structure will accommodate the eight-lane expansion of the A1. The design comes from an international engineering group. The group is sbp WTM D+W.
Interestingly, Hamburg boasts more bridges than Venice, Amsterdam and London combined. This reflects the city’s intimate relationship with water. The Port of Hamburg is massive. It covers 74 square kilometers. It is almost as big as Copenhagen. This port facilitates trade between Europe and the rest of the world.
There are actually four parallel bridges crossing the S\u00fcderelbe. They connect Harburg and Wilhelmsburg. One of these is a railway bridge dating back to 1872. In fact, from 1973 to 1978, the old bridges were demolished. They were replaced by two-track steel continuous girders. These girders were manufactured by Dillinger Stahlbau GmbH.
The design was innovative for its time. It uses post-free truss center girders. The lower chord is designed as a hollow box. This construction method was a first for a railway bridge. Due to their poor condition, these bridges are slated for demolition and reconstruction. The reconstruction is planned to start in 2028. It is scheduled to finish by 2036.
Another notable bridge nearby is the Kattwyk Bridge. It is comprised of two lift bridges. One is for rail and the other is for road traffic. They connect Moorburg with Wilhelmsburg. These bridges allow sea ships access to the Port of Harburg.
Another significant bridge is planned, the S\u00fcderelbr\u00fccke. It is a planned cable-stayed bridge. It will be part of the A26 extension through southern Hamburg. The bridge will be about three kilometers south of the K\u00f6hlbrandbr\u00fccke. The bridge deck will be 57 meters above the water. The two I-shaped pylons will reach 147.6 meters high. The entire Hafenquerspange project is estimated to cost €784 million.
So, as you stand here, remember that the S\u00fcderelbebr\u00fccke is more than just steel and concrete. It is a vital component of Hamburg’s infrastructure. It is a testament to the city’s history and its vision for the future.