The world’s second largest clinker bridge is currently undergoing a general renovation. The historic structure from the mid-19th century is located on the railway line between Leipzig and Hof. Taking into to consideration the historic monument protection, the track slabs made of reinforced concrete are replaced entirely and piles and arches renovated. SSF has been contracted for construction supervision of the entire project.
Renovation works at the bridge have been going on for one year. On 25 August, the first construction section was successfully completed: Renewal of the deck trough and the first track were finalised on schedule. In this context, the transfer point Jocketa with two switches was finished as well.
Now the second track will be repaired. The renovation also includes the detailed work of replacing 36,000 of the around 12 million clinker stones. Renovation of the bridge will continue until 2025.
During the initiative „Track Day”, initiated by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, which took place from 16 to 17 September, visitors were invited to a construction site tour of the Elstertal Viaduct. The feedback was overwhelming – on two days around 500 visitors came to the location to experience up-close the historic landmark of the region and to see the impressive construction site for themselves. Amongst others, Peter Kilian, head of the construction supervision department at SSF’s Halle branch, led the tours. On another three days school classes were guided over the bridge and received information about work opportunities in the railway sector.
On 15 September, DB Region chairwoman Evelyn Palla visited the construction site with representatives from DB Netz AG, regional branch south-east.
