New rail project improves local transport in Frankfurt RheinMain, Germany

Combining existing routes and new sections, RTW minimises impact on nature and landscape. Two lines run from Bad Homburg and the Praunheim industrial area as well as from Bad Soden to Dreieich-Buchschlag and offer a quarter-hourly service on the core section. A total of 28 stations will be serviced, 14 of these will be newly built.

One of the many flagship projects of the RTW construc­tion project is the tied arch bridge in the Gleis­dreieck area right in front of the Frankfurt football stadium, Deutsche Bank Park. Delivery and assembly of the tied arch bridge’s steel structures was carried out using heavy goods vehicles and mobile cranes, which presented a particular challenge due to tight space conditions. Individual foundations and auxiliary scaffolding were prepared at the same time as production. The intended insertion of the super­struc­ture over the DB tracks in May 2024 was associated with obstacles and required a 24-hour break in rail traffic. The imposing structure was taken over by a lattice boom crawler crane on the opposite side.

Meanwhile,  shoring for the box abutment has already been installed in March and ground preparation was completed. This was followed by concreting in May, which will support abutment of the future tied-arch bridge. Thanks to bored piles reaching deep into the ground, major subsidence is avoided.

The Region­al­tan­gente West project is divided into four planning approval sections and includes both existing sections and new construc­tion sections. CDM Smith supervises the extensive construc­tion work, in the South, Centre Höchst and North planning approval sections. Innovative dual-system vehicles that run on both Deutsche Bahn lines and tram tracks contribute to the uniqueness of this project.

In addition to structural engineering measures, extensive envi­ron­men­tal measures are scheduled. Therefore, RTW will not only improve regional transport links, but also contribute sustainably with regards to decreasing  traffic and envi­ron­men­tal impact.

This forward-looking project is a important step towards improving local transport and relieving congestion at Frankfurt's main railway station. CDM Smith is proud to make a significant contri­bu­tion to this project as construc­tion supervisor.

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