LAP and gmp win competition for new bridge for the A1 motorway
As part of the upgrade of the A1 federal motorway, the new bridge designed by the engineers Leonhardt, Andrä und Partners (LAP) and the architects von Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp) replaces the existing bridge across the Norderelbe River. The double cable-stayed bridge with its pylons of different heights will be visible from afar, marking the point at which it crosses the river. The project is included in the Federal Transport Infrastructure Plan for 2030.
The different spans and pylon heights of the new bridge result from the different widths of the side fields and reflect, in the structure, the asymmetrical situation of the terrain of the two river banks. There will now be eight pylons that create a conspicuous portal from any perspective: both directions of the motorway are flanked left and right by the pylons, which taper at the top; looked at from the water, they appear to be framing the river in sequence.
The higher set of pylons holds up three pairs of cables, whereas the lower ones only hold two. On the south side of the bridge, outside the pylons and parallel to the traffic lanes but with a separate construction, runs a pedestrian and cyclist bridge. Its distance from the motorized traffic and the open view of the river creates a high-quality crossing, which is an integral part of the pathway system of the local recreation area along the Norderelbe and Dove-Elbe rivers. A bright silvery coating of the building components reflects the color of the water, sky, and vegetation and thereby enhances the elegant appearance of the bridge.
“In the city of many bridges, the Harbor and Elbe bridges are distinct from those of the inner city due to their fascinating, pure engineering esthetic. The Norderelbe Bridge, which is going to be replaced, as an engineering structure enjoys a great reputation in the eyes of the public due to its restrained elegance and high identity value. This identification with the existing bridge—designed around 1963 by the architects Jux and Freese—has prompted us to look upon the new bridge as an ‘evolution’ that does justice to the requirement for the eightlane upgrade while, at the same time, continuing the quality of the genius loci. The design for the new double cable-stay bridge for motorway BAB 1 picks up on the message of the existing bridge and, at the same time, augments its esthetic effect as a landmark for the Elbe crossing.” — Prof. Volkwin Marg
