The first German bridge with prestressed precast beams
In 1938, Wayss & Freytag built the Hesseler Weg bridge near Oelde in Westphalia. It was the first bridge in Germany with prestressed prefabricated girders based on Eugene Freyssinet's patent.
The plate girder bridge crossed the A2 motorway with a span of 33 m until 2012; it was considered a milestone in Germany and Europe because it signalled the breakthrough of prestressed concrete in bridge construction. However, the real triumph of prestressed concrete in Germany only began in the 1950s due to the war.
After decades of faithful service, the bridge had to be replaced. That is why it now stands as a technical monument at the Vellern motorway service area, directly on the A2, and can be visited by interested parties.
Further details:
- 6.40 m superstructure width
- 1.87 m superstructure height
- Design of supporting framework by Gotthard Franz
