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Hydraulics Pull 1,100-Tonne A4 Bridge Across the Fulda

Powered presses with low-friction supports slide a tied-arch span into place to demonstrate precise engineering

Overview

  • Project teams began shifting the 100-metre, 1,100-tonne tied-arch Fuldabrücke using two hydraulic presses that each deliver about 90 tonnes of pull.
  • The presses are powered by a gasoline generator and pull the assembled steel span across prepared sliding plates mounted on blue pylons to cut friction.
  • A technical fault delayed the planned start by a day and crews corrected small problems on site, including twisted steel cables, before the move proceeded.
  • Operators reported the structure moving at roughly 10 km/h with the first ten metres completed shortly after 14:00 and the full transfer expected to take about 13 hours if no new issues occur.
  • The eastbound operation costs about €15 million, officials say the bridge will be set onto bearings at its end position, and a matching westbound span is planned and budgeted for 2027.