Press releases

• The masonry of the arched bridge has sustained significant damage, meaning that the bridge's safety for traffic can no longer be guaranteed in the medium term.
• Within two months, the old bridge will be demolished and replaced with a new structure.
• The new bridge will improve flood discharge and eliminate the existing load-bearing capacity restriction.
   

The bridge on Münsterstraße between Niederforstbach and Kornelimünster, which spans the Rollefbach, is in poor structural condition. The masonry has become saturated with moisture, causing the stones of the arched bridge to become loose, which means traffic safety can no longer be guaranteed in the medium term. In addition, there is a weight limit of 15 metric tons on the bridge. Since renovation would not be cost-effective, the Road Maintenance and Bridge Construction team at Aachen City Operations is planning to demolish the bridge and replace it with a new structure. Preparatory work is expected to begin on Monday, October 19, and is projected to be completed in December 2026.

Due to the narrow width of Münsterstraße, it is not possible to construct the new structure in sections while maintaining one lane of traffic. Therefore, for the duration of the construction work, Münsterstraße will be completely closed from the intersection with Pützgasse to just past the structure. Access to Pützgasse will remain possible. The closure is expected to take effect on Monday, October 19. Traffic will be rerouted via Napoleonsberg and then along Trierer Straße, Hochstraße, and Niederforstbacher Straße.

Pedestrian and bicycle traffic

Due to the complete closure of Münsterstraße, there are also restrictions for pedestrians and cyclists. Cyclists can bypass the construction site via Vennbahnweg. Pedestrians can take Pützgasse or, alternatively, use hiking trails and farm roads as detours.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

For public transportation, the following stops are omitted in both directions: Pützgasse, Niederforstbach Bau, Auf der Gallich, and Steinkaulweid, as well as the Schulberg school bus stop on Oberforstbacher Straße.

The Napoleonsberg stop, located on Napoleonsberg Street in the direction of Walheim, is also served by Line V in the direction of Mausbach and Schmithof. The school bus also stops there.

New building

The new bridge will be built as a reinforced concrete frame. It will then have only one opening through which the Rollefbach will flow. In addition, the new bridge will have a greater “clear height.” This means that the vertical clearance between the water level and the underside of the bridge will be increased. This will improve the bridge’s capacity, as it will be able to allow more water to pass through in the event of a flood.

In addition to the new construction, the road surface will be rehabilitated over a length of approximately 75 meters toward the intersection with Pützgasse to improve drainage compared to the existing condition. Subsequently, the asphalt surface course will be replaced in the area of the structure.