Germany tunnel and bridge projects being discussed

Projects to improve historic tunnel and bridge links are now progressing in Germany after some delays. These are for the refurbishment of the old Elbe Tunnel in Hamburg and a bridge upgrade in Cologne. Stretching some 426m, the Old Elbe Tunnel runs from the St Pauli area on the north of the River Elbe to the port area in the south. Opened in 1911 the twin tube tunnel is of historic value, even though its importance for vehicle traffic is now comparatively minor following the opening of a new road tunnel in
February 27, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

Projects to improve historic tunnel and bridge links are now progressing in Germany after some delays. These are for the refurbishment of the old Elbe Tunnel in Hamburg and a bridge upgrade in Cologne. Stretching some 426m, the Old Elbe Tunnel runs from the St Pauli area on the north of the River Elbe to the port area in the south. Opened in 1911 the twin tube tunnel is of historic value, even though its importance for vehicle traffic is now comparatively minor following the opening of a new road tunnel in 1975.

Refurbishing the tunnel will cost an estimated €120 million, which includes the improvement work required at both ends of the link. However the cost of the project is rather more than when it was first raised in 2008, when refurbishing the tunnel was expected to come with a pricetag of just €16 million. The historic Old Elbe Tunnel runs 24m under the river and can be accessed by lifts at either end. Because of this, the vehicle traffic is now light but it is still used frequently by pedestrians and cyclists.

Meanwhile in Cologne, the city’s planning office has awarded a contract worth some €139 million to rebuild an old bridge link. The work will be carried out by the Swiss contractor Implenia. The improvement work is needed as there are concerns over the ongoing structural integrity of the link due to its age.

Finance & Funding

Related Content

  • Vinci picks up Lafonataine Tunnel work
    August 12, 2020
    The renovated tunnel is expected to have about 40 years of life.
    Read More
  • Australia highway projects being planned
    November 24, 2015
    Key highway projects are progressing in Australia. In the state of Victoria, the authorities are planning a road widening project for the Monash Freeway that will cost an estimated US$289.54 million (A$400 million). The project calls for the route to be widened to five lanes in either direction for the stretch between the EastLink and the South Gippsland Highway.
    Read More
  • Almost gone: Canada’s old Port Mann Bridge deconstructed
    August 14, 2015
    Three years ago a welder’s cut halved Canada’s old Port Mann Bridge. David Arminas reports from the banks of the Fraser River. By the time this issue of World Highways reaches you, one of Canada’s iconic steel arch bridges will be a shadow of its former self. It’s been a three-year demolition job since the first cut across the deck of the old Port Mann Bridge just outside the city of Vancouver on Canada’s Pacific coast. A new 10-lane 2.2km Port Mann Bridge opened in 2012 (see box). It runs parallel to the o
    Read More
  • Massive German road investment required
    March 5, 2025
    German is requiring a massive investment in road development.
    Read More

Highlighted Content