Renovation of the Old Railway Bridge on the River Spree – Schedule Announced

Essen, Germany, May 5, 2026. News regarding the planned renovation of the heavily used pedestrian bridge between Kupferdreh and Heisingen. As Stadt Essen now reports, construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026. This marks the start of a project that will affect many people around Baldeneysee has been a concern for months – not least because the bridge is already closed and the costs have risen significantly during the planning phase. Baldeneysee.Ruhr has already reported extensively on both. The Baldeneysee Guide continues to keep the sea community informed.

First, the commissioned specialist company is to erect the necessary scaffolding in August. The first of a total of five construction phases is then scheduled to start in September. This will begin on the Kupferdreh side and work its way towards Heisingen. A significant factor for the scheduling is the material delivery times. Oak wood, in particular, which is intended for the renewal of the wooden structure, requires longer lead times.

According to the current status and the announcement by Stadt Essen, the entire project is to be completed by February 2027. The city will examine, together with the executing company in the further course of the project, whether the construction process can possibly be accelerated.

The city council had decided on the renovation on September 24, 2025. The goal is to secure the important foot and cycle path connection, which is part of the and the popular lake circuit around the, in the long term. However, during the tendering process, it became apparent that the general conditions in the construction industry had changed significantly – with effects on costs and the schedule. Nevertheless, the city emphasized that the renovation is absolutely necessary to ensure safety and usability in the long term. The removal of the viewing and resting platforms is also being discussed.

The pedestrian bridge has connected Kupferdreh and Heisingen since 1984 and is a central part of the Baldeneysee recreation area. Age- and weather-related damage, particularly to the wooden structure, necessitates a comprehensive renovation. This has been partially repaired repeatedly in the past.

The bridge closure is already having a noticeable impact on foot and bicycle traffic. Many commuters have to take a small detour via the neighboring Kampmann Bridge will have to accept, as will leisure users. Although this detour is only a few hundred meters, it involves additional dangers because it is also used by motorized traffic and Ruhrbahn buses to cross the water. The time plan now available at least provides orientation – even if the construction period remains long.

Baldeneysee.Ruhr will continue to monitor developments, report on progress, and inform the community about possible changes in the schedule or new cost statuses.