Before a bridge carries trains, its construction location can serve a very different purpose from its permanent position. At the B14 Backnang project in Germany, two new railway bridges are being built beside their final alignment. Their later insertion forms part of a planned construction sequence that brings together bridge works and interventions on existing transport infrastructure.
RCBB Gruppe participates in the Backnang project alongside Max Bögl, as documented in the company’s construction portfolio.
Why build a bridge beside the railway?
Replacing a railway crossing creates a difficult interface between construction and an operating transport network. Building the replacement structure in an adjacent area allows substantial work to take place before the final installation window.
The official project update describes assembly areas for constructing the abutments and superstructures. The completed bridges are scheduled for insertion into their permanent position in 2027.
This approach gives the construction sequence a clear distinction between preparing the structures and connecting them to the railway. Planned closures remain necessary for installation and associated works.
Concrete and steel: the two bridge types at Backnang
The project includes two different superstructures:
| Feature | BW20 | BW21 |
|---|---|---|
| Superstructure | Prestressed concrete box girder | Steel truss |
| Railway tracks | Two | One |
| Span | 64 m | 67 m |
| Structural system | Single span | Single span |
The published technical specifications identify both bridges as single-span structures.
Their different materials and forms also make the construction stages visually distinct. BW20 has a concrete box-girder superstructure, while BW21 features a triangulated steel framework.
For the steel bridge, the May 2026 project announcement describes lifting individual segments onto the abutments and temporary supports before connecting them. This assembly stage precedes the later insertion into the final alignment.
Bridge insertion planned for 2027
The published programme places bridge insertion within a planned railway closure in 2027. The three-month railway window includes associated construction activities and should not be interpreted as the duration of the bridge movement itself. The official programme update provides the relevant context.
The move will be a visible milestone. Its preparation, however, depends on the construction work completed before the installation window.
RCBB Gruppe and infrastructure construction in Germany
The Backnang project forms part of RCBB Gruppe’s involvement in infrastructure construction in Germany. It illustrates how bridge construction extends beyond the finished structure to include the organisation of work areas and coordination between construction stages.
For project teams assessing a construction partner, relevant experience and a clearly defined scope of work provide a useful starting point.
Explore the RCBB Gruppe project portfolio or contact our team to discuss your construction requirements in Germany.