Overburdened and worn, the Westendbrücke stands as a testament to Berlin’s ever-growing traffic demands. This 243-meter-long bridge carries the A 100 autobahn. It is in the northern direction between the Kaiserdamm and Spandauer Damm exits. Let me tell you a story about this essential, yet strained, structure.
The Westendbrücke was built in 1963. It was designed as a prestressed concrete structure. However, it now faces traffic volumes far exceeding its original design. In 2014, around 90,000 vehicles crossed it daily. This heavy use has taken its toll. The Westendbrücke has reached the end of its lifespan.
To ensure safety until a replacement is built, several measures were implemented in 2017. These included a ban on heavy transports. There was also a speed limit of 60 km/h. A minimum distance rule for trucks was introduced. Seven steel structures with measuring devices were also installed near the bridge piers.
Currently, the DEGES is planning and constructing a replacement for the Westendbrücke. This project is complex. The bridge is located at a busy traffic hub in Berlin. It also crosses over long-distance and S-Bahn train lines.
The new Westendbrücke will improve traffic safety. In the northbound direction, it will have three continuous lanes. A weaving lane will be added. This will allow safer merging and exiting at the Kaiserdamm and Spandauer Damm exits. This adjustment is necessary to meet current standards. It is a prerequisite for the new bridge’s approval.
Construction will take place while traffic continues to flow. The A 100 will not be closed. The western section of the A 100, heading south, will be shifted slightly west. This creates space for the new bridge. Traffic heading north will continue using the existing bridge during construction. Once the new bridge is complete, traffic will be rerouted. Only then will the old Westendbrücke be torn down.
The DEGES anticipates that construction may begin around 2025. Completion is expected around 2029.
During construction, there will be weekend closures for the S-Bahn. Replacement services will be available. Long-distance train services will experience extended closures. However, DEGES does not expect major disruptions.
The new Westendbrücke will use a noise-reducing road surface. This will noticeably lower noise levels by up to 3 dB. Noise barriers are not planned. However, some nearby apartments may receive noise-insulating windows.
A narrow strip of the Luisengemeinde II Cemetery will be built over. This affects about 1.5 to 2 percent of the cemetery’s total area. Thirteen trees will need to be cut down. This includes trees within the cemetery. Twenty replacement trees will be planted. The graves of war victims will be relocated within the cemetery. A cemetery wall with information panels will be erected.
The Westendbrücke’s replacement ensures that traffic can continue using the A 100. This prevents traffic from diverting into residential areas. It keeps Berlin moving.