Contract awarded for new bridge in South Hesse - Contract awarded for new bridge in South Hesse
A major bridge near Bad König in Hesse has been demolished after safety concerns forced its closure. The Zell Valley Bridge, which once carried the B45 over the Odenwald Railway and Mümling River, will now be rebuilt under a new contract. Authorities aim for a swift reconstruction to restore this vital transport link.
The bridge was first shut in late April after inspectors found cracks in its concrete structure. By late July, demolition work had begun to remove the unsafe sections. Hesse Mobil, the state transport agency, has now awarded the reconstruction contract to a consortium of Eiffage Infra-South and Eiffage Infra-West.
The new bridge will follow the same route along the B45, a key connection in southern Hesse. The construction firm plans to finalise detailed designs as soon as possible. If all approvals proceed on schedule, preparatory work could start in spring 2026. The project is expected to take around one year to complete. However, construction cannot begin until the necessary permits are secured. Authorities have stressed the importance of rebuilding the bridge efficiently to minimise long-term disruption.
Once finished, the Zell Valley Bridge will restore a crucial link for drivers travelling through the Odenwald region. The rebuilt structure will carry traffic over both the railway line and the Mümling River. Officials have not yet named a lead contractor for the consortium overseeing the work.
