Three Countries Bridge

Hayden Medal, USA 2008 |
German Bridge Award 2008 |
Footbridge Award Category Technique 2008 |
European Steel ECCS Award 2008 |
German Award for steel construction 2008 |

Two main roads, the “Hauptstrasse” in Weil am Rhein, Germany, and the “Rue de France” in Hunningue, France, are situated on the same axis. To emphasize this highly symbolic and visual connection between the two countries, the footbridge is put along the axis and not into it for the view not to be disturbed. This visual connection is enhanced by the physical one, as the design of the bridge is a response to the situation. The technical challenge is evident. A double hexagonal tubular steel arch is the main support element of the bridge. Towards the south, another single arch is leant against it. The inclination of this arch widens the visual scope. The details of the design such as the supports close to the river banks, the widening of the slowly rising ramps, as well as the banisters consisting of cable-suspended steel-nets leave the sight of the river undisturbed and make the bridge blend into the landscape.

“As a strong and structurally clear sign this bridge becomes a unifying gesture”. The entire main bridge with a length of 248 m was pre-assembled at a preconstruction site a few 100 m to the north of the final location, then shifted on pontoons and floated. As the shipping route allows a closure of max. 24 hours, the process of “floating the bridge and putting it on temporary support jacks” had to be finished within this time slot.

Competition 2001
Start of Planning 2003
Start of Construction 06 | 2006

Construction
230 m free span
248 m length of rampe
72 m Rampe Weil am Rhein
26 m Rampe Huningue