Heavy plate from Ilsenburg for the replacement construction of the Rader high bridge

An efficient transport infrastructure is the foundation for successful economic activity. Within the context of increasing needs for refurbishment, bridge modernization in particular ranks as one of the most urgent tasks of the future. The replacement construction of the Rader High Bridge impressively demonstrates the complexity of this construction task. As one of many players involved, the Ilsenburger Grobblech GmbH – subsidiary of Salzgitter AG – supporting this important infrastructure project for north Germany.
 
The Rader High Bridge spans an impressive 1,500 meters over the Kiel Canal and plays a pivotal role in the transport links to Denmark and Scandinavia. In operation since 1972 and only passable with considerable restrictions due to signs of wear in recent years, it is currently being incrementally replaced by a new bridge. Since construction began in 2023, the eastern half of the bridge has been built in an initial phase. The new construction of the western half of the bridge is on the agenda for 2028. This major project is expected to be completed by the end of 2031.
 
The impressive construction project is being built by a joint venture between Plauen Stahl Technologie GmbH and ZSB Zwickauer Sonderstahlbau, under the auspices of the Swiss construction company Implenia AG. The Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport, Employment, Technology and Tourism assigned DEGES with the planning and construction work.
 
As one of several steel suppliers, Ilsenburger Grobblech has already provided several thousand tons of quality sheet metal for this prestigious project. Additional tonnages of structural steel are required for the eastern half of the bridge – the first construction phase. "We are proud that we can contribute to the success of this infrastructure project, which is so important for northern Germany, with our heavy plate," summarizes Tony Dachner, Sales Manager for the DACH region at Ilsenburger Grobblech. "Contributions of this quality are only possible thanks to the long-standing partnerships with our customers Plauen Stahl Technologie GmbH and ZSB Zwickauer Sonderstahlbau."