The condition of the bridge is continuously recorded
Structural inspections are carried out in accordance with DIN 1076 "Engineering structures in the course of roads and paths - Monitoring and testing". According to the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, these structural inspections involve testing the structures using a systematic procedure and assessing any damage found according to the criteria of stability, traffic safety and durability.
The bridge is examined for any damage such as cracks and spalling. This is done using a so-called bridge inspection device, which is placed on top of the bridge in the pedestrian and cycle path area. Bridge inspectors use this special device to get into the right position to inspect every component of the bridge "up close". This involves checking for cracks, whether the steel components are still intact or whether the anti-corrosion coating is sufficiently present.
Restrictions for pedestrians and cyclists
The bridge inspection, which is carried out every three years alternately as a main and simple inspection, ensures that the condition of the bridge is continuously recorded. This allows defects and damage to be identified and monitored in good time. Any necessary renovation measures can be planned at an early stage. This ensures the necessary stability and traffic safety as well as the durability of the structure.
In order to have sufficient space to park the bridge under-sighting equipment, the cycle paths and footpaths on one side of the bridge will have to be partially closed for around two to two and a half days from Monday, December 9, 6 a.m. to Friday, December 13, 6 p.m. Cyclists and pedestrians will have to cross the bridge on the other side during this time.
Buses, trains and private transport are not affected and can be used without restriction. The structural inspection of the steel bridge is expected to be completed on December 19, 2024. The Civil Engineering Department of the City of Bonn asks all road users for their understanding for the necessary restrictions and for mutual consideration.
Over the Kennedy Bridge
The Kennedy Bridge is located in the core area of the city of Bonn and spans the federal waterway Rhine at river kilometer 654.90 in the course of federal highway 56 from Berliner Freiheit on the west side and Konrad-Adenauer-Platz on the east side of the bridge. It connects the districts of Bonn-City and Bonn-Beuel and consists of three substructures:
- Bonn foreland bridge (substructure 1) with a length of approx. 72 meters
- Steel bridge (substructure 2) with a length of around 400 meters
- Beuel foreland bridge (substructure 3) with a length of around 120 meters