City services are beginning a comprehensive renovation of the Donnersbergerbrücke — a vital artery connecting various districts of the metropolis. As reported by City Hall representatives, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians will face significant restrictions until mid-July. The Construction Department has planned not just cosmetic repairs, but the replacement of the bridge’s southern supports, a complete renovation of the western stair tower, and the refurbishment of the pedestrian crossing. The scale of the work is such that it will affect movement both on the overpass and beneath it.
Engineering challenge: lifting the bridge with hydraulic presses
The primary reason for such extensive intervention lies in damage invisible to the eye. Over many years, de-icing salts have penetrated deep into the structures, leading to serious concrete corrosion and critical wear of metal elements. Specialists are to replace all four supports on the southern abutment of the bridge and completely renew the support plinths.
This stage requires pinpoint precision: to release the old supports, engineers will lift the multi-ton bridge structure by several centimeters using powerful hydraulic presses. For this purpose, special lifting systems will be installed in the Trappentreustraße area. Until the beginning of June, the side traffic lanes will remain partially blocked. Although passage will be maintained, drivers should prepare for narrowed roadways and changes to the usual turning patterns. At the moments of the actual lifting of the deck, one half of the bridge will be completely closed: the western part in the first half of June, and the eastern part in the second. During these periods, traffic will be directed into the oncoming lane with a reduced number of rows.
Update for pedestrians and S-Bahn passengers
The renovation will not be limited to the roadway alone. In parallel, the Construction Department will restore the western stair tower and the pedestrian crossing leading to the S-Bahn station. Time and the aggressive external environment have not spared the concrete: numerous chips have been recorded in the staircase area, and the joints of the flights are in unsatisfactory condition.
By the end of June, builders will completely renew the drainage system, repair the concrete walls of the tower, and lay a new surface in the pedestrian tunnel. For the convenience of citizens, even the handrails will be replaced. During the work, this area will be closed to passage; however, access to the S-Bahn platform will remain — a temporary staircase has already been prepared for passengers. City authorities emphasize that bus traffic will be maintained throughout the entire construction period, despite the need to place material storage areas on sidewalks and bike paths.Source: Munich City Hall
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