'A42 Construction Site Spectacle: Specialists Perform Graceful 'Cranes Dance' - Crane dancers enchant A42 construction site: skilled workers displaying ballet-like movements with cranes
In the Ruhr region, an ambitious construction project on the A42 near Bottrop is underway, aiming for a six-lane expansion. To make room, a narrow industrial bridge is being demolished and replaced with a broader one, costing approximately 35 million euros. The construction company Evonik, on behalf of the bridge owner BP plc., is responsible for the project.
Beginning on Tuesday, the unloading of the new bridge parts will commence. The bridge, consisting of two halves, each weighing 250 tons and loaded with all necessary lines, will necessitate the employment of two 100-meter-high special crawler cranes, usually utilized in the construction of wind parks. Due to the bridge parts' weight, the Rhine-Herne Canal's harbor basin needed to be emptied for transport.
On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, the cranes will lift and turn the bridge halves in a synchronized manner. The procedure resembles a harmonious dance, hence the nickname "Crane Ballet." A test run rehearsal without loads will occur on Monday to prepare the crane operators. This intricate process will help ensure safety and efficiency during the assembly phase, scheduled over the Whitsun weekend in just ten days.
The A42 will be closed completely from June 6, 22:00, to June 16, 5:00, due to the need to swing parts over the highway. A special observation platform will be set up for spectators. The current A42 canal bridge for road traffic, which had to be temporarily closed at the beginning of 2024, is deteriorating and only accommodates vehicles over 3.5 tons, with a barrier system separating the traffic.
The A42 is a vital east-west axis in the Ruhr region connecting Duisburg and Dortmund, traversed by around 82,000 vehicles per day. Officials from Autobahn Westfalen did not provide a specific date for the expansion of the actual Autobahn bridge. Also, no further details were released about the synchronization techniques or the assembly timeline for this project. However, projects of this scale typically span several weeks to months, with daily "Crane Ballet" sessions meticulously planned.
The community aid for the development of certain economic activities, such as the automotive industry, is evident with the construction project on the A42 near Bottrop, as it aims to boost the region's transportation and infrastructure. The aid for the improvement of the quality of life can be seen in the project's goal of creating a smoother and safer commuting experience for the approximately 82,000 daily vehicles, as well as the temporary closure for the "Crane Ballet" assembly, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability through the use of renewable energy-based equipment. The finance provided for the project, costing around 35 million euros, is essential for the expansion and the promise of a better-connected Ruhr region.
