The Sachsenbrücke a central role in the development of the new Grasbrook neighborhood. However, the existing structure is too small and no longer meets future mobility requirements. As part of the redesign process, the architectural competition for the new bridge has now been decided: The jury selected the design by schlaich bergermann partner sbp SE (Stuttgart) in collaboration with gmp Generalplanungsgesellschaft mbH (Hamburg) as the winner. It impressed the jury not only with its clear design language and precise construction but also with a pathway concept that provides a separate promenade bridge for pedestrians, distinct from motor vehicle and bicycle traffic.
©sbp/gmp
The new Sachsenbrücke the main access route to Hafentorquartier , at the same time, provide an efficient connection to Veddel. It will relieve the current heavy logistics traffic in the area by offering improved access to the O’Swald Terminal from the nearby Hansabrücke, which is already under construction. The new Sachsenbrücke part of the overarching open-space system surrounding the future park and promenade landscape around both central harbor basins in the Grasbrook district: Instead of the existing road bridge with sidewalks on both sides, the winning design proposes a two-part bridge concept that enhances both the traffic infrastructure and the quality of the public space independently of one another.
The southern bridge will accommodate vehicular and bicycle traffic. The design calls for a roadway approximately 7 meters wide, as well as separate, barrier-free bike and pedestrian paths. The design features a robust, elegant concrete structure. A high degree of prefabrication allows for efficient, cost-effective construction. In parallel, a delicate, slender steel promenade bridge is being built, which moves closer to the water’s edge and reinforces a continuous riverside path along the Vltava and Saale harbors. Together, the two structures form a harmonious yet striking ensemble.
©sbp/gmp
To be sustainable, the service life must be taken into account, particularly for infrastructure structures. Here, the design relies on resource-efficient materials such as certified eco-concrete, which uses significantly less cement than conventional types. Added to this is a high degree of prefabrication. These aspects played an important role in the competition—as did the integration of the bridge into the future cityscape, situated between new neighborhood structures, historic warehouses, and the future U4 station at Moldauhafen.
The winning design by sbp won over the jury because it Sachsenbrücke the functional requirements for the new Sachsenbrücke while also making a striking design contribution to the identity of the new Grasbrook neighborhood.
Demolition of the existing bridge is scheduled to begin in mid-2027, and construction of the new Sachsenbrücke begin in the spring of 2028.
©sbp/gmp