Traffic Data Systems WiM for Köhlbrand Bridge

A weigh-in-motion, WiM, system from Traffic Data Systems is set for the Köhlbrand Bridge across the River Elbe in Hamburg, northern Germany.
By Adam Hill April 4, 2025 Read time: 2 mins
The reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete structure and steel cable-stayed Köhlbrand Bridge bridge was opened in 1974 (image © Robert309/Dreamstime)

Traffic Data Systems has been awarded a bridge weigh-in-motion contract from the Hamburg Port Authority  in northern Germany.

The Köhlbrand Bridge across the River Elbe is one of the most important transport links in the port of Hamburg. The reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete structure and steel cable-stayed bridge was opened in 1974. At 3.7km long, 135m high and with a clearance height 53m, the Köhlbrand Bridge is Germany's second-longest bridge.

However, 50 years of heavy traffic have taken their toll on this bridge, according to Florian Weiss, founder of Traffic Data Systems. "Today, not only significantly more - but also significantly heavier - vehicles pass the bridge than planned,” said Weiss. “That's 38,000 vehicles per day, 43% of which are heavy goods vehicles, so extensive renovation work has already been necessary several times."

The port authority put a WiM system out to tender for the first time in 2010 which was supplied by Traffic Data Systems and operated for several years. Just a few weeks after it went into operation, a ban on trucks overtaking was imposed and the maximum permitted speed was reduced from 80 kph to 60 kph.

At the end of 2024, the authority put the renewal of the WiM system out to tender and this was again won by Traffic Data Systems at the beginning of 2025.

Its WiM technology fulfills the requirements of OIML R134. In addition to overview and ANPR cameras, scanners that graphically display the profile of the vehicles will also be supplied. Installation of the WiM system is planned for this summer.

Maintenance

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