The two steel components, each weighing 75 tonnes, were moved to their intended location with millimetre precision using a meticulously planned tandem lifting operation involving two 700-tonne mobile cranes. This spectacular lifting operation marks the end of an important construction phase and brings the overall project a major step closer to its next milestone.

A special moment had already been reached on the construction site: for the first time, it was possible to walk across the Neckar Valley Bridge over a completed section of the bridge as well as another section supported by scaffolding. What was more than just a symbolic moment for those involved in the project demonstrates the visible progress of one of Baden-Württemberg’s most significant infrastructure projects. Where individual construction sections had previously been taking shape, a continuous structure is now increasingly taking form across the Neckar Valley.

“Every completed section makes it clearer just how large this structure will be in future. With the hoisting of the final structural steel plates, we have taken an important step towards further connecting the individual construction sections. Moments like these are the result of an exceptional team effort on the construction site,” says project manager Markus Jahn.

Attention is now turning to the next major milestone: the bridge’s structural shell is due to be completed in early 2027. By then, all the bridge’s load-bearing components will have been fabricated. This will be followed by work such as waterproofing, laying the road surface and installing the railings.

The Horb Viaduct is being built on behalf of the Karlsruhe Regional Council and will in future carry the B32 federal road over the Neckar Valley. The structure, which is around 667 metres long and up to 90 metres high, is intended to divert through traffic away from Horb town centre and bring about a lasting improvement in the traffic situation in the region.