Friesen Bridge in Weener: New Rotating Section Installed – Reopening Scheduled for 2025

As the bridge must also accommodate cruise ships built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, a conventional railway bridge was not an option. The clearance height and width need to meet the specific requirements for the ship transfers. Following extensive planning, the decision was made to construct a bridge with a rotating central section.

The newly installed section of the Friesen Bridge is impressive: it measures 145 meters in length, weighs 1,800 tons, and was transported to the construction site over the Ems earlier this week. Using pontoons, it was carefully moved into position and lowered onto the prepared steel structure, complete with the rotating mechanism.

Before the bridge can reopen to traffic, further work is required in the coming months. According to Deutsche Bahn, the rotating mechanism needs to be finalized, the technology tested, and the tracks as well as railway control and safety systems installed. Only then will trains, cyclists, and pedestrians be able to use the Ems crossing again.

For Meyer Werft, the Friesen Bridge will remain a critical passageway: when ships are transferred from Papenburg, the bridge will be opened using the rotating mechanism to allow the large vessels to pass through. Temporary closures will continue to be necessary for these operations.