A new bridge is being built over the Mühlgraben at Klaffenbach Water Castle
Due to extensive structural damage to the existing abutments and the superstructure of the outdated timber structure, the old flyover had already been demolished and a temporary diversion route put in place. The bridge is a key link in Chemnitz’s south-western route, the Würschnitz Valley cycle path and the northern section of the Karlsroute, and is also essential for pedestrian traffic.
The new bridge will be constructed as a steel structure with a total length of approximately eight metres and a clear span between the abutments of 6.20 metres. The carriageway is 3 metres wide, allowing for safe use by pedestrians and cyclists. A distinctive feature is the carriageway, which consists of prefabricated CPC prestressed concrete slabs with carbon fibre reinforcement. This construction method is intended to ensure the bridge has the longest possible service life.
During the construction work, the foundations will first be laid and the steel structure prefabricated. The new bridge will then be hoisted into place, finalised and the carriageway surface completed. Finally, the embankments will be restored.
The work will be carried out from both sides of the Mühlgraben. No complete closures of the paths within the park grounds are planned. There are no plans to cross the Mühlgraben in this area whilst construction work is underway, as this would have increased the impact on the riverbed and the sensitive bank areas.
The contract for the construction of the new bridge was awarded to Schmidt-Bau Hoch-, Tief- und Ingenieurbau GmbH. The contract value is around 120,000 euros.