Impressive installation of the Kreuzstutz bridge replacement in Lucerne

Initial situation

To ensure that connections to and from Lucerne can continue to be guaranteed with a high level of punctuality, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is carrying out a series of construction measures on the approach to Lucerne station.

In 2020, we were commissioned to provide rapid-hardening concrete for the abutments to replace the first two bridges at Kreuzstutz. Following the successful completion of this work, the third bridge was replaced in 2023, again using rapid-hardening concrete from Concretum for the abutments.

The main work was carried out during the weekend of March 18-20, 2023, which led to the extensive closure of Lucerne station to rail traffic.

Solution and assessment

SBB used this closure weekend to coordinate various construction works. At the same time, the bridge at the Kreuzstutz underpass was replaced, with a bridge element weighing an impressive 100 tons being placed.

The complete closure not only shortened the overall construction time, but also the duration of the noise pollution and the restrictions in the timetable.

On 18.03.2023, Lucerne station was at a standstill. At Kreuzstutz in Lucerne, Gebr. Brun AG erected the abutments for the new bridge. Around 30 m3 of Concretum^® Q-Flash 2/20 rapid-hardening concrete, manufactured and supplied by the “Belag und Beton Rothenburg” concrete plant, was used to concrete the abutments.

The requirement of 20 N/mm2 concrete strength for the bridge abutments was met after just 2 hours, which meant that the prefabricated reinforcing steel bridge weighing 100 tons could be installed the same evening.