Blockage of Eselswiese Bridge over Lahn River by a Truck (Update B429)

Bridge Reinforcement on B429's Eselswiese Bridge to Allow Heavier Vehicles

Good news for commuters on the B429! The Eselswiese bridge, located between the Lahnfeld junction and the Heuchelheim interchange, is undergoing a significant reinforcement project. The municipality overseeing the construction is Heuchelheim.

The second phase of this project begins on Monday, June 23rd, focusing on the east side of the structure. The goal of these maintenance measures is to allow vehicles up to 44 tons in weight to use the Eselswiese bridge after successful completion, presumably by the end of 2025.

Initially, the works will only take place "from below," with no change in the current traffic situation on B429 in the area of the bridge. However, upon completion of the construction work, the current weight restriction of a maximum of 3.5 tons in the bridge area of federal road B429 is expected to be lifted.

The bulge reinforcement, a part of the strengthening works, counteracts the bulging of the steel main girders. The concrete caps of the bridge have already been renewed with lightweight concrete since June of this year, with no impact on their function.

Upon completion of the current road resurfacing work on B429 between the Lahnfeld junction and the Wettenberg interchange, presumably in late summer 2025, there will be another construction phase on the Eselswiese bridge. During this phase, traffic on B429 in the area of the bridge will be fully redirected onto the opposite lane.

After the completion of these works, two lanes per direction are planned to be open to traffic, with an overtaking ban for trucks. Until the end of spring 2026, there will still be some remaining work and the clearing of the construction site around the bridge. Subsequently, the bridge caps will also be demolished and renewed in the direction of Lahnfeld triangle.

The renewal of the bridge in the direction of Wettenberg and the bridge cap is expected to take about three months. During this time, the cycle and pedestrian path along the bridge will be closed for approximately three months. The upcoming reinforcement of the Eselsbrücke bridge will include this bulge reinforcement to counteract the bulging of the steel main girders.

Work on the Eselswieße bridge is expected to continue until winter 2025/2026. The strengthening works are progressing well, and the project is on schedule. The municipality is committed to minimising disruption to traffic and ensuring the safety of all road users during the construction period.