German Unity Transport Project 8

Railway bridge over Leyher Strasse in Nuremberg

The railway bridge over the Leyher Strasse was built in 1911. It consists of two solid masonry arches spanning Leyher Strasse on three-centre curves. Line 5950 from Nuremberg marshalling yard to Fürth passes over the western arch. A relief line from Grossmarkt station ends on the bridge. Another track, which no longer exists, part of the defunct Nuremberg orbital line, previously passed over the eastern arch.

(Photo: DB AG)

(Graphic: DB AG)

The Pegnitz tunnel is intended to pass below the Leyher Strasse immediately in front of the eastern abutment without interfering with road traffic. The TBM will pass so deeply below the road that there will be no need to stop the traffic for this purpose. The cut-and-cover method originally intended and the associated complicated construction processes, e.g. to safeguard utilities, will not be used. Construction of the tunnel will nevertheless affect the old bridge structure. Without countermeasures, heavy settlement must be anticipated, which the 100-year-old structure will not withstand. The foundations of the western arch will therefore be underpinned by injection. The embankment for the two tracks from/to Fürth will be secured by shoring and about 80% of the eastern arch then demolished, without being replaced. The remainder of the arch will subsequently receive new abutments and the bridge a new parapet. This will require complete closure of the Leyher Strasse for about six weeks. The current clear cross-section will be retained. The following illustrations show the bridge as it is today and after partial demolition, as described above.

(3D visualisation: DB AG)

(3D visualisation: DB AG)