Bridge in Glacispark remains closed for longer due to severe damage

The bridge over the grass depression northeast of Glacispark in Neu-Ulm will remain closed longer than originally planned. According to information from the Neu-Ulm city administration, the damage to the bridge is worse than initially assumed. One reason for the delays is workmanship defects caused by the commissioned company.

The renovation of the foot and cycle path bridge on the Caponniere, which began in September last year, has several identified damages, including pavement and corrosion damage as well as moisture damage to the wooden longitudinal beams. The original plan was to complete the work by the end of last year. It is also planned to replace the wooden plank covering with an anti-slip plastic covering.

Delays and costs

After the side members were dismantled, more serious corrosion damage became apparent, which required additional work in the area of ​​corrosion protection. Due to the poor condition, some components need to be completely replaced. It took additional time for the specialist company to eliminate the quality defects.

The renovation work has now been delayed by around eight weeks and is expected to be completed by mid-February. The additional costs caused by the delays and additional work will be borne by the contracted company. A weather-dependent release of the bridge is planned after the work has been completed. Further renovation of the paved areas and paths is planned for the spring, for which no additional closure is necessary. The bridge was built for the 2008 State Horticultural Show and the total costs of the measure amount to around 450,000 euros (as of September), while the current costs have not yet been disclosed.

The need for regular bridge renovations is also underlined by current developments. In Germany, regular tests according to DIN 1076 are required to ensure the safety and longevity of bridges. In this regard, the example of the collapse of Dresden's Carola Bridge in September 2024 is alarming because it brings into focus the importance of timely renovation measures Forum Publisher reported. These tests must be carried out by qualified test engineers to ensure compliance with security requirements.