Precision Work Above the Elbe River

Elbe Bridge Wittenberge Longitudinal Launch of the Main River Bridge

The Elbe Bridge in Wittenberge is a major heavy-load project. At about 1’100 meters long, it is the longest bridge of the A14 northern extension. It connects the states of Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt and consists of two parts: an approach bridge and the main river bridge. DSD Heavy Lift AG carried out the complete longitudinal launching of the main river bridge. The steel superstructure weighs about 9’000 tons and has a total length of 412 meters. Within one year, it was pushed into its final position in four main stages, including one intermediate push.

• 1st Launch:
  The first section was about 180 meters long. On April 13, 2024, it was moved 64 meters toward the Elbe River. 
• 2nd Launch
  From July 10 to 12, 2024, the structure—now 240 meters long—was pushed another 60 meters to the south. It reached the first river pier and had completed 124 of the total 412 meters.
• Intermediate Launch:
  In October 2024, the structure was moved forward another 64 meters. This reduced the remaining distance for the final large launch. 
• 3rd Launch:
  At the end of January 2025, the bridge was pushed another 88 meters to the southern pier with the help of a pontoon unit.
• 4th Launch:
  In April 2025, the structure was moved the final 120 meters into its permanent position. Since April 30, the bridge fully spans the Elbe River.

After that, the steel structure was lifted an additional 3 meters into its final height to complete the bridge connection. Using hydraulic jacks, the structure was moved in a controlled, safe, and precise way.

Launching:

• 2 pcs. LH400
• 1 pcs. HPU4-30

Braking:

• 2 pcs. LH400
• 1 pcs. HPU4-30

Lowering:

• 30 pcs. DZ500
• 4 pcs. DZ400
• 1 pcs. HPU4-14