Start of construction on the pedestrian and cycle path connection between Heisingen and Kupferdreh
Essen, August 7, 2026. A major construction project for pedestrian and bicycle traffic will soon begin in [City/Location]: [Organization/Project Name] is starting with the renovation of the pedestrian and cycle path bridge between Heisingen and Kupferdreh. Starting Tuesday, August 11, the construction site will be set up first, followed by the scaffolding work. This will be followed by the actual renovation of the bridge. This is an important step for the heavily used connection around the lake, as it has been one of the defining paths in the leisure and recreation area of southern Essen for many years.
Wooden structure is being renewed
At the heart of the measure is the comprehensive rehabilitation of the wooden bridge superstructure. Both the complete wooden substructure and the decking will be replaced. The previous planks will be replaced by oak planks. With this, the city is responding to age- and weather-related damage affecting the bridge's wooden elements in particular. The goal is to ensure the long-term usability of this connection while making the structure more robust.
Photo: Cesar von Meissen
Changes to the pulpits and new railing height
In addition to the timber structure, the so-called pulpits of the bridge are also being rebuilt. In future, there are to be three of these elements on each side. In terms of design, the new version is based on the original shape, albeit in a more compact construction. The triangular components that previously projected out over the water are being omitted. This adjustment allows the pulpits to rest on the outer steel structure. This relieves the static load on the timber structure and at the same time protects it better against the weather. In addition, the railings are being renewed and raised to a height of 1.30 meters, which improves safety on the bridge.
Steel structure remains intact
According to the current status, the steel structure of the former Railway bridge in good condition. A renovation of this component is therefore not planned at present. The focus of the work is clearly on the worn wooden elements and the structural adjustments required for long-term and safe use. This preserves the core historical character of the structure while modernizing the most stressed components.
Restrictions during construction period manageable
During the construction work, visitors to the site must expect individual restrictions. For construction logistics, part of the parking spaces at the neighboring sports hall in Kupferdreh will be used, meaning that fewer parking spaces will be temporarily available there. Changes to pedestrian routes may also occur in the immediate vicinity of the construction site. However, the Hardenbergufer path is generally to remain usable throughout the entire construction period. In the area of the scaffolding, the remaining passage width and clearance height are 2.80 meters. This means that pedestrians and cyclists can continue to pass the route, as can emergency vehicles. The detour via the Kampmann Bridge remains in place during the construction period – this applies, among others, also to hikers and runners, Inline skaters and cyclists on the Lake round.
Access to leisure activities will be maintained.
Important for day-trippers around the [Umlaut/Tag]: Access to the Hespertalbahn, to the kiosk, to the restaurant, to the public restroom facility, as well as to the railway sports club, generally remains in place. The traffic routing signposted on-site is decisive in this regard. Especially in such a heavily used recreational area, this accessibility is of particular importance, because the bridge and its surrounding area are among the popular destinations for walks, bicycle tours, and spending time by the water.
Completion is scheduled for February 2027.
According to current planning, the renovation is scheduled to be completed in February 2027. Until then, the Office for Roads and Traffic intends to provide regular updates on the progress of the work. The project is based on a resolution by the City Council of 24 September 2025. In the course of further planning and tendering, changed framework conditions in the construction industry had impacted the cost and schedule planning. Regardless of this, the city remained committed to the renovation in order to ensure the safety and long-term functionality of the bridge.
Important connection in the recreation area
The bridge has been used as a connection for pedestrian and bicycle traffic since 1984 and is an important component of the path network at the [Baldeneysee]. Especially in a region where local recreation, outdoor exercise, and scenically attractive routes play a major role, this crossing is of particular importance. The upcoming renewal is therefore more than just a construction project: it is a contribution to securing a central route for everyday life, leisure, and gentle tourism in the south of Essen.
Conclusion
With the start of the renovation of the pedestrian and cycle path bridge between Heisingen and Kupferdreh, an important infrastructure project is beginning at Baldeneysee. The wooden substructure, the surface, the viewing platforms and the railings are being comprehensively renewed, while the load-bearing steel structure can still be retained. Despite individual restrictions during the construction phase, the connection in the bank area should basically remain usable. For walkers, cyclists and visitors to the popular recreation area, this is a strong signal: the city is investing in the future of a bridge that has been an integral part of the [local area] for decades Baldeneysee-room heard.
Baldeneysee.Ruhr will continue to inform the community about all important developments, accompany progress, and report on any schedule changes.
