Spectacular dismantling of the SRF footbridge in Zurich

As a first step, ERNEFANT vacuumed the gravel from the bridge deck. Our team then closed off the building access points to the bridge with temporary hoardings and removed the internal and external cladding, including the insulation.

The bridge consisted of a steel substructure and a timber superstructure. Our team dismantled the various structural elements in two stages.

A distinctive feature of the bridge’s construction was the timber framework with its enormous spans and the weight distribution, which was difficult to determine. Our team divided the timber structure into three sections and exposed the attachment points for securing it to the mobile crane. They also reinforced the components to ensure they would not break during lowering and subsequent removal.

In the cordoned-off but space-restricted area, not all parts could be dismantled immediately after removal. These were transported away straight away. Only the widest component, which at seven metres wide would not fit on a lorry, had to be dismantled on site.

The steel bridge substructure was dismantled in a second operation. To cut up this structure, welders and specialists with chainsaws provided additional support over several days. The steel components were transported by heavy-duty haulage to Zirkular, a company specialising in reuse. The materials are thus reused within the circular economy, thereby extending their life cycle.

The remaining bridge foundations in the water will be dismantled after the frogs’ spawning season and the closed seasons in May. Restoration work on the surrounding area and the completion of the surfacing are still underway around the building.

The project was largely carried out using the expertise of the ERNE Group. In addition to our work with the civil engineering and demolition teams, ERNEFANT was on site to remove the roof gravel from the bridge. The subsequent façade work was carried out by HUSNER AG Holzbau.

Many thanks to the client for the valued contract, as well as to everyone involved in the project.

_{Images: © SRF / Gian Vaitl}