Did you know that the Schänzlebrücke is more than just a way to cross the Seerhein? It is also known as the Neue Rheinbrücke or Europabrücke. This bridge is a vital artery connecting Konstanz to Switzerland. The Schänzlebrücke is part of the B33. Here, it is also known as Europastraße. It directly links Konstanz with the Swiss A7 motorway and Kreuzlingen.
Let’s delve into the story of the Schänzlebrücke. It eases traffic congestion in Konstanz. The bridge facilitates travel between the Konstanzer industrial area and the Paradies district. Each side features two lanes, an emergency lane, and a path for cyclists and pedestrians.
Originally, the Schänzlebrücke was planned as part of the A81 motorway. Construction began in August 1975. The bridge opened on July 1, 1980. Initially, it was a temporary solution. A permanent connection to the city’s road network was established in July 1983. However, the final touches faced delays due to resident objections. The complete construction, including ramps connecting the B33 to the border crossing, concluded in May 2007. This was 27 years after its initial opening. The route follows a path planned for a bypass railway line in the 1930s.
Now, consider the Schänzlebrücke’s design. It spans 304.9 meters. This prestressed concrete structure has three openings. The support widths measure 85.35 meters on the sides and 134.20 meters in the middle. The 37-meter-wide structure consists of two superstructures. Each superstructure features a single-cell hollow box section. It is 9.6 meters wide. The structure’s height varies. It is 8.0 meters above the piers, 3.5 meters in the river’s center, and 4.5 meters at the ends. The superstructures were built using the cantilever method.
Imagine the engineering feat beneath the Schänzlebrücke. The bridge piers rest on deep foundations. The soil consists of thick clay layers. These layers are soft. This required unusually long bored piles up to 63 meters. The engineers used a telescopic method. They started with a 1.63-meter diameter pipe. After drilling 21 meters deep, they inserted a 1.5-meter pipe. At 47 meters, they added a 1.4-meter pipe. Finally, the piles received a 2.8-meter wide base. This ensured sufficient load-bearing capacity.
The construction of the Schänzlebrücke consumed significant resources. Around 8,500 cubic meters of concrete. Plus, 1,250 tons of reinforcing steel were used. Also, 520 tons of prestressing steel were incorporated. The construction cost 16.4 million DM. That is equivalent to about 21.6 million euros today.
All the bridge approaches use rigid foam. This is for stability. In 2008, the northern section needed reconstruction. It had subsided. This was addressed under warranty.
One more thing. Since March 1, 2024, the Europabrücke has housed the Fernbusbahnhof Europabrücke. It replaced the Döbele location. Before the bus station, the area was a park-and-ride facility. It offered 500 parking spaces. This parking area has been relocated. A parking garage with 745 spaces will replace it by mid-2025.
As you stand here, remember the Schänzlebrücke. It represents connection, engineering, and progress. This bridge continues to serve Konstanz.