New construction of cycle and footpath bridge over the Eder in Frankenberg

As part of the comprehensive modernisation programme ‘Frankenberg 2020’, the family of bridges consisting of the three block girder bridges Wehrweide, Wildpark and Ederdorf represent the central elements of the new cycling concept. The sustainable junctions of the new attractive cycle traffic axis – in the same design with lengths of approx. 60, 80 and 90 metres – create short, safe and natural connections between living, working and leisure.

The design planning follows the requirements of the town of Frankenberg for a new bridge between Große and Kleine Wehrweide, taking into account current specifications for accessibility and maximum gradients of less than 6%. The most important function of the new Eder crossing is as a junction in the town’s cycle path network; it is also used by vehicles from the town’s building yard. The design follows the existing route on one side and is orientated towards the planned cycle path from the centre of the bridge. Above the pillar, the usable width is increased from 4 to 5 metres to allow for vehicles towing curves.

The design as a protected timber bridge in accordance with DIN EN 1995-2 guarantees equivalence in terms of durability to bridge materials such as steel and concrete; according to the current replacement rates of the BMVI, a theoretical service life of 60 years can be assumed. The carriageway girder with a solid timber cross-section is covered by a surface of precast concrete elements, which are slip-resistant and permanently elastic grouted. The chosen covering protects the underlying construction so optimally that the use of chemicals to protect the wood can be completely dispensed with. A dynamic cross-sectional height – the largest expansion is above the pillar – is achieved by gluing individual glulam beams of different lengths and widths together, which also enables cost-effective production with little waste and optimum material utilisation.

As part of the competition “Gemeinsam aktiv. Mobil in ländlichen Räumen” (2023) of the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR), the local mobility bridge over the Eder in Frankenberg wins. Further information