Motorway bridge in Carinthia was raised by 3 meters

The supporting structure of the approximately 600 meter long bridge was successfully raised – in a first step by three meters. Asfinag announced that the elevation to a total of six meters should be completed tomorrow, Wednesday. A “scaffolding structure” is being built for the construction of a new bridge structure.

At 9 a.m., the contracted construction company began lifting the existing structure using hydraulics. Despite the rather adverse weather conditions, the operation was successful. This was followed by adaptation work on the lifting pillars, which were up to 18 meters high. The second part of the process, which will raise the structure to the target height of six meters, is scheduled to be completed on Wednesday.

Scaffolding construction for new supporting structure

The existing bridge serves as a so-called scaffolding structure for the construction of a new supporting structure. The method is not only described as spectacular, but also as innovative and sustainable. This saves the production and transport of a specially manufactured scaffolding carrier, which means that around 1,000 tons of steel are used less and a lot of material transport is avoided.

Completion by 2027

According to Asfinag, the preparations for the airy project took a few months. The first new bridge in the direction of Villach should be completed and accessible by mid-2025. The second bridge on the Salzburg direction will then be rebuilt in the same way. Completion is scheduled for 2027.

According to Asfinag, the Steinbrückenbach valley crossing, also called L 43, was built in 1975. It was emphasized that new construction of the supporting structures was therefore necessary. All traffic is currently carried out on the road in the direction of Salzburg.