Construction site on A42 highway: Experts engage in 'cranedancing' for complex assembly operations - Construction Project A42: Skilled Workers Performing "Cranedance"
On the busy A42 highway in the Ruhr region, a significant construction project is underway to expand the six-lane road. The expansion requires the demolition and rebuilding of an industrial bridge, too narrow for the project, at a cost of approximately 35 million euros.
The new industrial bridge, weighing 250 tons each and fully assembled with lines, will be unloaded from ships beginning on Tuesday. Two large cranes, typically used for wind farm assembly, will be responsible for the unloading.
Prior to the unloading, operators practiced a coordinated maneuver dubbed the "Crane Ballet." This test run, held on May 14, aimed to synchronize the movements of the cranes, ensuring the precision and safety necessary for the complex assembly operation.
The assembly of the new industrial bridge is scheduled for the upcoming Whitsun weekend, taking place over just ten days. The A42 will be completely closed from Friday evening, June 6, to June 16 for the duration of the assembly. A viewing platform will be set up for spectators.
The current A42 canal bridge is in disrepair and has been temporarily closed to vehicles over 3.5 tons since the beginning of 2024. The A42 is an essential east-west axis in the Ruhr region, with approximately 82,000 vehicles using it daily.
The project is being carried out by Evonik, on behalf of the bridge owner, BP. Due to the bridge's great weight, the Rhine-Herne Canal had to be specially emptied for transportation. The completed bridge will span more than the previous one, covering the canal and offering enough space for the six-lane expansion.
Although details have not been released yet, the expansion of the actual Autobahn bridge will follow the assembly of the new industrial bridge. The spokesperson from Autobahn Westfalen has confirmed no date has been set for this phase at present.
The construction of the new industrial bridge, a crucial component for small and medium-sized enterprises in the transportation and automotive industry, will commence during the Whitsun weekend. This expansion, funded by industry finance, will provide a larger and stronger structure, ultimately benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises that heavily rely on the A42 highway in the Ruhr region.
