Viehofer Platz, Essen

Cycling route shortcut with new bridge section

The 35-metre-long bridge construction over the Segerothstrasse in Essen, a competition draft design by Halfmann Architects, Cologne, represents another module in the bicycle connection between Bochum and Mühlheim. The draft design is based on the interaction between a delicate, transparent steel part in the centre and concrete elements at the edges of the structure.

The arrangement of the steel ribs in the railing of the bridge is reminiscent of the rhythm of rail sleepers and thus of the history of the old railway line. This structure is taken up by the illumination below the abutment and thus bathes the previously dark railway underpass in a pleasant light.

The elongated recessed wall luminaires are installed vertically and thus create a formal unit between the bridge construction and the top of the earth bank. The 1545 mm long luminaires offer unshielded light distribution, created by white safety glass.

The high-quality stainless steel covers of the luminaires are flush with the glass. The luminaires are installed in the concrete elements with their installation housings. Thanks to energy-saving fluorescent lamps, the entire illumination is cost-effective, with reduced maintenance intervals.


Client Regionalverband Ruhr Architecture Halfmann Architekten, Cologne Photography Max Schulz, Mülheim an der Ruhr