Rapid Bridge Construction: IHK suggests potential speed-up methods
In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the urgent need for faster bridge construction and renovation has been highlighted by a recent study. The increased freight traffic projections, predicting a 34% increase by 2040, have raised concerns about the current pace of bridge work and its impact on the economy and the environment.
Construction sites can operate with additional work shifts to double the pace of construction, but legal proceedings for large construction projects have taken an average of 22 to 30 months, according to expert reports. This prolonged period has led to significant challenges, as demonstrated by the closure of the Cardinal Frings Bridge over the Rhine in Düsseldorf, which has resulted in a full shutdown for the economy with detours costing 45 million euros per year.
The study recommends faster planning procedures to start construction sooner, with all parties involved needing to be better networked and having reliable contact persons. It also suggests the exploitation of "fast track" options in existing law, with replacement constructions for important infrastructures generally having priority.
In bridge tenders, the NRW Transport Ministry already uses a "fast track" procedure for planning and construction services. Since the start of the "Sanitation Offensive" in NRW in November 2023, 25 bridge replacement constructions have been completed, 35 are currently in progress, and a further 29 are planned for 2025.
However, the study also proposes a more radical solution: the establishment of a special chamber at the Higher Administrative Court (OVG) in Münster, similar to the existing Infrastructure Senate for wind power projects. This move could expedite legal proceedings for large construction projects, potentially reducing the average time from 22 to 30 months.
Economic associations involved in the study are in regular contact with NRW Transport Minister Oliver Krischer (Greens). The minister has welcomed the IHK's involvement in the process, but many of the requested points are already "state of the art". Nevertheless, the need for continuous improvement and innovation in bridge construction and renovation is clear.
Other bridges, like the Uerdingen Rhine Bridge, currently downgraded to a maximum load of 30 tons, are causing detours and economic losses. The A1 bridge in Leverkusen has also caused long traffic jams for commuters due to bridge damage and necessary rebuilding.
As the freight traffic continues to grow, the need for swift and efficient bridge construction and renovation becomes increasingly urgent. The IHK study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current situation and offers potential solutions to accelerate the process, including the establishment of a special chamber at the Higher Administrative Court in Münster. The dialogue between economic associations, the government, and the minister is ongoing, and it is hoped that these discussions will lead to practical changes that will benefit both the economy and the environment.
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