Westend Bridge is proposed for reconstruction in its original site - Westend Bridge reconstruction to occur on original location
**Rebuilding the Westend Bridge in Berlin: A Focus on Minimal Disruption**
The Westendbrücke (Westend Bridge) in Berlin, which was demolished due to its dilapidated state, is set to be rebuilt, managed by the federal project management company Deges. The tender for construction work has been issued, with the contract expected to be awarded in the fall of 2025, marking the beginning of actual construction.
The tender process places a strong emphasis on minimizing disruption to rail traffic, reflecting the critical infrastructure role of the Westendbrücke. The duration and management of construction activities, particularly the need to keep impacts on rail operations as low as possible, are decisive criteria for awarding the contract.
The new bridge is to be constructed on the same site as the old one, a change from original plans that would have allowed for temporary bridge traffic during construction. The construction period for the new Westend Bridge is approximately 22 months, as stated in the tender documents.
The Westendbrücke is not the only major bridge replacement underway in the area. The Ringbahnbrücke (a separate bridge further south) was also closed in March 2025 due to structural damage and was subsequently demolished. The tender for the new Ringbahn Bridge is currently ongoing, with the contract award expected in summer 2025. Both bridges are projected to be completed at roughly the same time, despite the staggered contract awards.
The demolition of both the Westend Bridge and the Ringbahn Bridge caused traffic chaos around the exhibition grounds. The completion of the demolition of the old Westend Bridge has now paved the way for the construction of the new bridge at the same location.
In summary, the primary goal of the tender process for the new Westend Bridge is to minimize disruption to rail traffic. Both bridges were demolished after unexpected structural issues arose in early 2025, leading to a reorganization of construction plans. The two bridge projects are managed separately but are timed to finish around the same period, reducing prolonged infrastructure disruptions in the area. Deges has withdrawn its application for the previous planning approval procedure for the Westend Bridge, and the tendering process for the construction project is ongoing.
- To ensure a smooth operation for public-transit and transportation, the community policy for the rebuilding of the Westend Bridge explicitly prioritizes minimal disruption to rail traffic during vocational training and construction.
- As part of the rebuilding process, the finance department is exploring alternative routes for vocational training in the industry, considering the proximity of the construction site to the Westend Bridge and the potential for delays to transportation caused by the project.
