Revolutionizing Highway Construction: ASTRA Bridge Introduced in Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Road Agency has introduced a new modular mobile overpass design called the ASTRA bridge, which allows vehicles to drive directly above the highway section undergoing repair instead of taking a detour. This design aims to make it easier for drivers to travel and safer for road workers to carry out repairs.

The ASTRA bridge is composed of sections that are transported on trucks and assembled on-site to create an overpass that spans the length of the repair area. Up and down ramps at both ends of the overpass allow vehicles to continue through the road seamlessly without having to merge into one lane or wait to pass. Drivers need only slow down to 60 km/h when crossing the overpass, which provides a smooth transition back onto the highway.

Road workers can now safely carry out repairs without the risk of being hit by passing vehicles or exposed to weather elements. They can work during daylight hours because heavy traffic is not disrupted during construction, providing a more efficient work environment. Construction vehicles operate in a transport lane next to the overpass, which may also serve as a driving lane on the road depending on circumstances.

Once repairs are completed on a section of highway, the ASTRA bridge is hydraulically raised by 10 cm and then removed from its site using motorized wheels before being relocated for use in another project in need of repair. The process can be repeated multiple times until all repairs are finished. The ASTRA bridge is 257 m long, 7.57 m wide, and 4.65 m high, with a working area underneath measuring 100 m long, 5.1 m wide, and 3.1 m high.

Transporting and assembling components requires significant logistical coordination involving sixteen low-bed trailers and three cranes, along with two assembly teams consisting of fourteen people each. This innovative solution allows for efficient and safe highway repairs while minimizing disruption to traffic flow.

In conclusion, Switzerland’s ASTRA bridge design revolutionizes highway construction by providing drivers with an uninterrupted journey while ensuring that road workers have access to safe conditions during construction processes without disrupting traffic flow significantly.

Switzerland has always been known for its innovation in infrastructure development; this new modular mobile overpass design further strengthens its reputation as a country leading in technological advancements in transportation infrastructure development worldwide!