The removal of asbestos from the Rhine bridge in Koblenz is proving more complex than expected. Over the past few months, extensive tests have been carried out to remove the asbestos from the 130 metre long bridge girder in accordance with the applicable safety regulations. As the amount of asbestos found is much greater than expected, a specialist company has been contracted to carry out the work from autumn 2024.
The company will be in charge of the renewal of the corrosion protection of the bridge. The old coating containing asbestos will be removed. A new coating free of asbestos and lead will be applied. The corrosion protection will be applied to the top of the bridge. The new deck girder will then be installed, welded together and protected. Finally, the deck will be installed with the sleepers and the rails. It is not yet possible to give an exact forecast of the duration of the work, as it depends on external factors such as the weather.
Renovation of the historic Rhine bridge near Koblenz began in April 2023. Since then, the Koblenz-Waldshut line has been closed to rail traffic and replaced by buses. It turns out that renovating the Rhine Bridge is going to take longer than expected. As things stand at present, it is likely that the rail replacement service will have to be maintained until June 2025. It is not possible to determine the exact duration at this stage.
