Modular bridge construction

We're speeding up the process of clearing the backlog of bridge renovations.

Assembly of a modular bridge with two cranes over a running motorway during a short closure

Modular bridge construction – systematic planning, precise implementation

In Germany, approximately 80 percent of small and medium-sized bridge structures are considered in need of renovation. The need for solutions that can be implemented quickly and reliably is correspondingly high. Many structures must be renewed while traffic continues to flow and available construction time is limited. At the same time, the demands on planning reliability, logistics, and feasibility are increasing.

Modular bridge construction with a systematic process approach

This is exactly where the STRABAG modular bridge comes in. It is based on a modular system approach with a high degree of prefabrication and standardized processes. Planning, manufacturing, transport, and assembly are integrated at an early stage so that projects can be reliably prepared and precisely executed.

Assembly of prefabricated abutment walls in modular bridge construction on the construction site

Abutment walls are assembled as precast elements delivered to the site.

Prefabrication in bridge construction begins during the planning phase

How the individual components - for example abutments or bridge girders - are to be manufactured, transported and assembled on the construction site is determined at an early planning stage. This not only creates constructive solutions, but also clearly prepared processes for later execution. This creates more safety at the interfaces and improves the controllability of the entire construction process.

Lifting a prefabricated bridge girder by crane on the motorway construction site

The composite precast bridge girder is delivered just in time via heavy- ation.

Bridge construction during short closures and while traffic is flowing

This approach is particularly relevant for bridges in heavily trafficked networks or for structures that can only be replaced during short road closures. In such projects, it is crucial to consistently integrate technical solutions, logistics, and installation. The better these steps are coordinated, the more reliably the implementation can be planned.

Pilot project on the A1 near Lengerich with DEGES as the client

A pilot project involving two bridges on the A1 near Lengerich in northern North Rhine-Westphalia demonstrates how this modular system logic works in practice. The client is the German Motorway Corporation (DEGES). It took just four months from laying the foundation to completing the bridge deck. The highway was closed for just two weekends during the bridge construction. The project illustrates how the modular approach can be applied under real-world conditions in infrastructure construction and how closely the individual process steps must be coordinated to achieve this.

This year, tenders for additional modular bridges will be issued in Germany to advance the urgently needed modernization of the infrastructure.

Installation of a modular bridge girder with cranes over running infrastructure

The bridge support is installed with precision.

The most important facts about modular bridge construction at a glance

What makes modular bridge construction unique?
Through standardization, prefabrication, and closely coordinated processes, the STRABAG modular bridge can reduce construction time by up to 50% compared to conventional methods. Planning, manufacturing, transport, and assembly are integrated at an early stage so that projects can be reliably prepared and efficiently implemented.
- Greater predictability in the project workflow
- Shorter and better-prepared construction phases
- Greater feasibility under challenging conditions
- Greater certainty at the transitions between project phases
Why is early planning so important in modular bridge construction?

Even in the early planning phase, consideration is given to how individual components will be manufactured, transported, and assembled on-site. This not only defines structural requirements but also systematically prepares for subsequent on-site processes.
For which projects is the modular approach particularly suitable?

The STRABAG modular bridge is particularly suitable for bridges in heavily trafficked networks and for structures that can only be replaced during short road closures. It is precisely in these situations that it is crucial to closely coordinate construction time, logistics, and assembly. This allows important infrastructure to be replaced quickly and reliably.