PORR and STRABAG commissioned to replace Luegbrücke bridge on Brenner motorway

The iconic Luegbrücke bridge on the A13 Brenner motorway is set to be fully replaced after more than 55 years of service. Construction giants PORR and STRABAG have been tasked with the ambitious project, with completion expected by the end of 2030.

Stretching 1.8 kilometers, the Luegbrücke is the longest bridge on the Brenner motorway and one of the most complex due to its steep hillside location. Supporting the daily transit of 32,000 vehicles, the bridge has reached the end of its operational lifespan, necessitating a complete rebuild.

The new structure will be a composite plate girder bridge, constructed in two phases to ensure continuous traffic flow. The project includes a 110-meter-long partial supporting structure with pillars up to 60 meters high to span the Sillschlucht gorge.

PORR CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss emphasized the importance of maintaining and modernizing Austria’s transport infrastructure. “The Luegbrücke replacement is one of the most challenging projects in terms of logistics and engineering. Its extreme hillside location and unique dimensions demand expertise in bridge construction, and PORR is proud to bring its extensive knowledge to this endeavor.”

STRABAG CEO Klemens Haselsteiner highlighted the bridge’s role as a critical component of the Brenner motorway, one of Austria’s busiest transport corridors. “Our goal is to construct a modern bridge that meets the highest safety standards and provides a reliable connection for decades. This requires innovative planning and cutting-edge construction methods.”

The project is overseen by ASFINAG, Austria’s state motorway and expressway operator. CEO Hartwig Hufnagl praised the selection of PORR and STRABAG as construction partners, chosen through a best-bidder process. “This project represents a sustainable investment in Tyrol’s economy and infrastructure. Our priority is clear: construction will begin in spring 2025, with the first new bridge completed by the end of 2027, eliminating traffic restrictions.”

The project will leverage LEAN Construction techniques to optimize efficiency. By 2027, the first new supporting structure will be built alongside the existing bridge and serve as the Innsbruck-bound carriageway. Traffic will then shift to this structure while the original bridge is demolished and replaced with the second substructure, which will serve as the Brenner-bound carriageway. The dual-structure design will improve safety and traffic flow.