- Large construction site A42 witnesses ballet-like crane operations by experts
In the Ruhr region, a significant construction project is currently underway on Autobahn 42 near Bottrop. This ambitious endeavor involves the expansion of the highway to six lanes, necessitating the demolition and rebuilding of a too-narrow industrial bridge with a greater span. The estimated cost of this project is approximately €35 million, with unloading of the new bridge parts slated to commence on Tuesday.
The new industrial bridge comprises two halves, each weighing 250 tons, and featuring all necessary lines. The chemical company Evonik is leading the construction work on behalf of the bridge's owner, BP. The immense weights of the bridge parts required the harbor basin along the Rhein-Herne-Kanal to be specially dredged. Two specialized crawler cranes, typically employed in the assembly of wind farms, are required to unload the parts from the ship for each half of the bridge.
On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, the cranes will coordinate synchronously to lift and rotate the bridge halves. The Rhein-Herne-Kanal will be fully closed during this time to minimize wave movements that could disrupt the delicate maneuver. To ensure successful performance, a practice run will take place on Monday without the actual weight.
The assembly of the new industrial bridge is scheduled to take place over the Pentecost weekend, spanning just ten days. The A42 will be closed completely from June 6th at 22:00 to June 16th at 5:00, during which time parts will be moved over the highway. An observation platform will be set up for spectators.
The current A42 canal bridge for road traffic is in poor condition and was temporarily shut down in early 2024, affecting vehicles over 3.5 tons, with a barrier separating traffic. The A42 serves as one of the crucial east-west axes in the Ruhr region between Duisburg and Dortmund, with around 82,000 vehicles utilizing it daily.
The community aid is being directed towards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for their contributions to the industries, finance, transportation, and automotive sectors, notably for the A42 expansion project. The surge in demand for cranes, shipped through waterways, highlights the necessity of supporting these SMEs in navigating financial challenges, particularly in the logistics and heavy machinery industries.
