A temporary moveable bridge that reduces disruptions during road maintenance by allowing traffic to flow over it while work is carried out underneath is being developed in Switzerland. Since April, an improved version of the Astra Bridge has been used on the Swiss A1 highway towards Zurich, between the municipalities of Recherswil and Luterbach in northwest Switzerland. Created by the Swiss Federal Roads Office, the solution enables daytime work without traffic closures or diversions on the lane being worked on or restrictions on the opposite lane. The bridge can be moved in both longitudinal and transverse directions, allowing it to be relocated to new road sections as works advance.
An earlier version of the mobile bridge was tested in 2022 during the initial stages of the A1 project, successfully facilitating construction and moving without issue, but revealing traffic flow problems due to the steep incline of its approach and exit ramps. In 2023, the system was optimised by extending the ramps and reducing their incline. The changes were developed in collaboration with internal and external specialists, including the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology and various transport associations. The improved bridge was tested with various vehicles, including sports cars, caravan trailers, coach buses, and trucks.
The optimised Astra bridge measures 257m in length, 7.6m in width and 4.6m in height. It supports traffic at 60km/h without restrictions and is expected to remain in operation until mid-August.
