Construction Project A42 Showcases 'Cranes in Harmony': Specialists Perform Coordinated Dance of Lifting and Placing Heavy Equipment - Large-scale construction site A42: experts engaging in "Cranedance"
In Bottrop's Ruhr region, a colossal construction project is underway on Autobahn 42. The objective is to expand the highway to six lanes by demolishing and rebuilding an existing industrial bridge with a greater span. The endeavor, costing approximately €35 million, commenced with the initiation of unloading new bridge components on Tuesday.
The expansion of the actual autobahn bridge has yet to be scheduled, according to a spokesperson for Autobahn Westfalen. The new industrial bridge consists of two halves, each weighing 250 tons and fully equipped with all necessary lines, as stated by a spokesperson for chemical company Evonik, who is conducting the work on behalf of bridge owner BP.
Given the bridge's tremendous weight, the Rhein-Herne Canal's harbor basin was specifically emptied for the transportation of the bridge parts. To unload each half, two special tracked cranes, typically used for wind farm assembly, will be employed. On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, these cranes will lift and turn the bridge halves synchronously, a delicate maneuver likened to a dance by the crane operators.
The assembly of the new industrial bridge is slated for the Pentecost weekend within just ten days. During this period, components will also be swung over the autobahn, necessitating a full closure of A42 from Friday evening, June 6, 22:00, until June 16, 5:00. A viewing platform will be made available for spectators.
The current A42 canal bridge for road traffic has deteriorated significantly, leading to a temporary full closure at the beginning of 2024. The closure currently affects vehicles over 3.5 tons, with a barrier separating traffic. A42 plays a vital role as one of the essential east-west axes in the Ruhr region, carrying around 82,000 vehicles daily between Duisburg and Dortmund.
Industrial bridge assembly often requires meticulous planning, precise engineering, and heavy machinery. The process typically involves aligning and securing large components for structural integrity, ensuring safety, and accommodating for environmental factors such as wind and temperature. Construction contractors, engineering firms, and equipment suppliers are typically part of such projects.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bottrop's Ruhr region are seeking community aid to support the transportation and assembly of the new industrial bridge on Autobahn 42. This colossal project, involving the finance and automotive industries, is essential for maintaining the smooth flow of traffic in the region, as A42 carries approximately 82,000 vehicles daily between Duisburg and Dortmund.
