Clear road ahead: traffic is moving again on the Rhine Bridge in Leverkusen, Germany

In 2017, as part of the A1’s partial expansion, the new construction of the busy Leverkusen Rhine Bridge, which was built in the 1960s, began. The carriageways of the bridge approaches on the right bank of the Rhine run right through the approximately 65-hectare Dhünnaue waste disposal site.

On 4 February 2024, this overall project reached an important milestone: the first Rhine Bridge in direction toward Koblenz was ceremoniously opened in the presence of various official representatives (including Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach and NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst). The new bridge can now be used with three restricted lane widths in each direction and for all vehicle categories. At the same time, this also means that the longstanding closure of the Rhine crossing for lorries has been lifted, significantly easing traffic congestion in the surrounding area.

The work continues

Following the current commissioning, the old Rhine Bridge from 1965 will be demolished and a twin bridge will be built on the same site. This second bridge is scheduled for completion towards the end of 2027.

As part of the expansion of the Leverkusen-West junction section to Cologne-Niehl, the old bridge structures from the 1970s will gradually be demolished and replaced by new bridges. CDM Smith is providing foundation consulting services for this area of work.

The necessary carriageway widening will require further intervention in the old landfill. Under high safety precautions (excavation under tents), the old deposits will be dismantled and disposed of in a hazardous waste landfill. CDM Smith is responsible for the planning and tendering of these measures.