This construction site is phenomenal! When I crossed the bridge, I often wished I could get closer. Now on the bike tour it was possible.
Interesting to watch a bridge being rebuilt.
End of construction:
First new bridge in 2023, second new bridge in 2027
Extension to 4.5 kilometers
The entire project includes the replacement of the Leverkusen Rhine bridge and the eight-lane widening of the A1 between Cologne-Niehl and the Leverkusen-West motorway junction. The Leverkusen-West motorway junction will also be extensively renovated with several bridge structures.
New construction, demolition, new construction
The replacement of the Rhine bridge consists of two individual, parallel bridge superstructures. The first part of the new building will be built to the north, right next to the current bridge. After completion, traffic will then flow over the new building. The old Rhine bridge will then be demolished before the second bridge can be built on the same site. In this way, the flow of traffic is ensured during the entire construction period.
In the final state, both bridges together will have eight continuous lanes (four in each direction). The expansion to eight lanes is necessary to create a permanently higher capacity. Furthermore, the entrances and exits on both sides of the Rhine, i.e. both at the Leverkusen-West junction and in Cologne-Niehl, will be two lanes leading to and from the bridge. These interweaving sections result in a number of tracks of up to twelve. There is also a 3.25 meter wide cycle path and footpath on both sides.