Connecting the port area
A daily 35,000 vehicles cross the gigantic steel bridge by the Elbe river. Opened in 1974, the overpass has been the most important connection between Hamburg’s vast port area and the A7 motorway for many years. The prominent bridge, with its bulky beams and 88 steel ropes, has become one of the most striking landmarks in Northern Germany. Visible from the A7 motorway, the bridge is a dramatic sight for those driving between central Europe and Scandinavia.
The striking construction was widely restored between 2014 and 2016, including the addition of a new asphalt surface costing EUR 60 million. The next round of restorations, which will replace the steel beams, is already due to begin by 2030 at the latest. Currently, however, such an undertaking wouldn’t be economically viable, making the bridge’s future uncertain.
Bridge and tunnel
In order to assess the future of traffic management in the Hamburg port region, there were two feasibility studies in 2019 to determine whether a new bridge or a tunnel below the Elbe river should replace the massive overpass. Despite its hefty size, however, with an average height of 53 metres, modern container ships can’t pass beneath the old bridge, cutting off the Altenwerder terminal from water traffic. In order to make Hamburg’s most modern terminal accessible, a new bridge would have to reach 72 metres. Although concrete planning commenced in 2020, a final solution is yet to be found, as an alternative to the bridge should be finalized by 2030.
Second-longest street bridge
The Köhlbrandbrücke bridge was built in 1974, and is still the second-longest street bridge in Germany. In recent years, artist Michael Batz has brought the bridge even more fame. Known for his light installations, the artist regularly includes the beams of the bridge in his Blue Port art project.
Sports at Köhlbrandbrücke
The great view from atop the bridge can only be enjoyed from your car, as it is closed to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Only the Köhlbrandbrückenlauf run and the Cyclassics bike races create a welcome exception to the rule.