The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), which is overseeing the project, reports that work is underway to ensure a swift tendering, planning and implementation process for the bridge replacement, located in the port area.
According to a resolution by the Hamburg Parliament, the aim is to construct a new bridge with a clearance height of 73.5 metres and open it to traffic before 2040. Acceleration potential is being specifically evaluated and considered for this purpose. A visual design of the new structure is expected to be finalised in the fourth quarter of 2025. In the meantime, maintenance of the existing bridge will continue.
The Köhlbrand Bridge serves as a vital link between the A1 and A7 motorways and is the busiest traffic structure in the Port of Hamburg. On an average working day, around 34,000 vehicles use the bridge, including 12,700 lorries. Heavy goods vehicles currently account for approximately 37 percent of total traffic – a figure projected to rise to 43 percent by 2035.
Full closures from May 2025
As in previous years, this work will require several full weekend closures. These are scheduled as follows (Friday to Monday):
- 23 May 2025 (10:00 PM) – 26 May 2025 (5:00 AM)
- 13 June 2025 (10:00 PM) – 16 June 2025 (5:00 AM)
- 18 July 2025 (10:00 PM) – 21 July 2025 (5:00 AM)
- 29 August 2025 (9:00 PM) – 1 September 2025 (5:00 AM)
- 5 September 2025 (9:00 PM) – 8 September 2025 (5:00 AM)
- 9 October 2025 (10:00 PM) – 13 October 2025 (5:00 AM)
