First Heavy Rail Bridge with Carbon Hangers Now in Operation at Oder River

Trains have made their first crossing over the world's first heavy rail bridge to use carbon hangers, which spans the Oder River at the Poland-Germany border. Built over a century ago, the Oder Bridge connecting Western and Eastern Europe stands as a symbol of unity. However, with heavy transport over time, the bridge required replacement. The designers and engineers crafted a special replacement plan to minimize disruption to the rail network. The new network arch bridge with carbon hangers embodies innovation and connection, boasting a sleek design and enabling a maximum speed of 120km/h to enhance line capacity and reduce travel times.

The replacement of the 2,100-tonne, 180-meter long bridge demanded advanced engineering techniques. The solution bypassed traditional methods of using pontoons or large cranes, which were unfeasible due to the river's shallow and changing water levels. Instead, the engineers employed Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs), launching plates, and strand jacks. The bridge was assembled on the German side and moved as a complete structure across the river using a series of temporary supports, customized launching plates, and skid shoes. This method allowed for flexibility, safety, and efficiency, regardless of water levels.

One of the critical challenges in launching the bridge was preventing deformation during the process. The engineering team addressed this by using temporary supports with hydraulic cylinders and modified launching plates capable of 360-degree movement. This innovative approach ensured full control over the operation and maintained structural integrity. The entire operation was a logistical feat, involving 45 truckloads of specialized equipment and meticulous planning to ensure a smooth and safe launch.

This project highlights the importance of early involvement of specialized engineers in infrastructure projects to explore technical and feasible solutions. The innovative methods used for the Oder Bridge can now serve as a model for other bridge projects where traditional methods are impractical.

Watch the complete launch of this impressive railway bridge across the river Oder in Küstrin, on the German-Polish border!