Frankfurt Deutschherrn Bridge Project

The Deutschherrn Bridge, an essential junction in the Rhine-Main region’s rail network, is about to begin a new chapter in its more than century-old history. Connecting major regional and long-distance routes to Frankfurt Central, the landmarked bridge is a key part of the Frankfurt hub. The new replacement bridge, which will be built on the east side of and parallel to the original bridge, is an important step toward improving the infrastructure and achieving the urban development vision for Frankfurt.  

DB Engineering & Consulting was tasked with drawing up a feasibility concept for the replacement bridge, which explored different variants for new builds for the two routes. Its aim was to compare viable solutions in terms of construction time, line closures and feasibility.

Based on these investigations, a new, parallel bridge is now being built. Unfortunately, the existing Deutschherrn Bridge cannot be refurbished, as the structural calculations would not allow for any fundamental changes to the bridge structure. Therefore, a completely new structure is required to ensure the safety and performance of the infrastructure in the long term.

As part of the Frankfurt hub modernization project, the new section to be built will consist of several bridge segments with a total length of 1,200 meters. The new Deutschherrn Bridge is expected to cross the Main and will be approximately 275 meters long. In addition, the bridge will consist of six bridge segments and will connect the southern bank of the Main to Frankfurt (Main) Ost.    

An engineering consortium led by DB E&C including the partners Sweco and Schüßler-Plan is developing the concept design for the project. In addition to the construction of the new bridge, the project includes upgrading the entire Deutschherrn Bridge and the rail line between the southern bank of the Main and Frankfurt (Main) Ost. A new centerline of track will also be created as a bypass toward Frankfurt (Main) Süd to increase capacity further.  

Design work will include project design for structures, supporting structure planning, and project design for transport facilities (rail and road).

Furthemore, DB E&C is providing environmental planning, geotechnical engineering, and railroad equipment services for the construction project. The entire process will be carried out using the BIM method. Construction is set to begin in 2029, once the design phase and approval procedure are finalized. DB E&C is playing a major role in the upgrade of the Frankfurt am Main hub by providing design services for the Deutschherrn Bridge, third Niederräder Main Bridge, Frankfurt mainline tunnel and Frankfurt-Stadion hub.

Project data

• Total length of the new section: Approximately 1,200 meters 
• Six bridge segments in total
• Improved capacity and reliability thanks to crossing with the existing Frankfurt (Main) Süd – Offenbach am Main line without crossing conflicts 
• BIM methodology 

Scope of services

• Design 
  • Overall coordination and technical management 
  • Project design and supporting structure planning for civil engineering structures and roads between Frankfurt (Main) Ost and Frankfurt (Main) Süd stations 
  • Control-command and signaling and telecommunications systems 
  • Technical trackside equipment: Sectoral design for electrical power systems 
  • Technical trackside equipment: Sectoral design for catenary systems 
  • BIM planning 
• Geotechnical monitoring 
  • Preparation of geotechnical reports 
• Environmental and Geoservices 
  • Environmental planning