Saboteurs target bridges in North Rhine-Westphalia: engineering professionals advocate for involvement
Derelict and aged bridges have posed a significant issue across the nation for years. Approximately 12,000 such structures fall under the jurisdiction of municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), leaving these local governments to bear the associated costs without federal assistance. In an effort to bolster communication among municipalities, the "Working Group Municipal Civil Engineering NRW" (K-ING NRW) was launched in 2014, incorporating over 50 municipalities. On May 27th, the group convened symbolically beneath a bridge in the Lippe Aue recreation area in Hamm. Their goal was to facilitate an exchange of ideas and networking, to better distribute expertise, and collectively address the status of these bridges.
Ancient Bridges of NRW: "A Delayed Initiative"
The head of maintenance management for the City of Cologne, Uwe Greimsehl, expressed pride in the working group, acknowledging the shared predicament faced by all participating municipalities. The principal challenges, according to the engineer, are accumulated maintenance demands, a scarcity of skilled labor, outdated infrastructures, and static issues. Most crucial, however, is the rapid escalation of traffic load, which has led to the undoing of numerous bridges in NRW. The Rahmedetal bridge on the A45 near Lüdenscheid, which had to be dismantled in 2023 due to its critical state, serves as a poignant example.
The promise of the K-ING NRW consists of facilitating an exchange of insights, collaborating on solutions, and advocating for policy changes that ensure regular maintenance and repairs for bridges, thereby preventing their deterioration. Although specific progress made by the working group since its establishment in 2014 is not publicly available, other initiatives addressing similar issues may include assessing and cataloging bridge conditions, garnering funding for maintenance and construction projects, engaging communities, collaborating with contractors, and advocating for legislation that supports bridge maintenance. For more refined and up-to-date information on the K-ING NRW's activities, it would be advisable to reach out to the group or consult their official reports and updates.
In the context of the Ancient Bridges of NRW, the head of maintenance management for the City of Cologne, Uwe Greimsehl, recognizes the need for collaboration and knowledge sharing among municipalities to tackle challenges such as maintaining bridges in the face of increasing traffic load, scarcity of skilled labor, outdated infrastructures, and infrastructure decay. Moreover, health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise are essential aspects for the maintenance workers, as regular physical activity and a balanced diet ensure they have the energy and endurance required to manage the demanding work.
