Forchach suspension bridge

Project details

Forchach suspension bridge

The small municipality of Forchach in Tyrol, located at the entrance to the picturesque Lech Valley, is a delight with its impressive suspension bridge that connects the two banks of the Lech. Here, hikers and cyclists experience a special crossing in the middle of an untouched natural landscape. The original 94-year-old suspension bridge had to be replaced due to its dilapidated condition and extensive flood protection measures. The Lech was restored to its natural river width of 140 meters, which significantly improves the river and bank dynamics and sustainably strengthens the ecological status in accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive. The old bridge with a span of 75 meters was too short as a result, making a new bridge necessary.

The new suspension bridge, which is almost twice as long as the old structure, is not only part of the Life project, but is also barrier-free. It enables wheelchair users and families with children to cross the Lech river effortlessly. For the railing infill, the planners chose the X-TEND® stainless steel cable meshwhich offers both a high level of safety and transparent aesthetics.

A total of 262 m² of X-TEND mesh with a mesh size of 40 mm and a cable diameter of 1.5 mm was used. The construction is complemented by over a kilometer of I-SYS suspension cables with a diameter of 8 mm, which stabilize the suspension bridge. The filigree mesh provide an unobstructed view of the Lech and blend harmoniously into the natural surroundings.

With this modern solution, the suspension bridge is not only a safe connection, but also a symbol of sustainable bridge construction and the successful integration of infrastructure into a sensitive natural landscape.