New construction/relocation of Naubrücke bridge, Laufen

The Naubrücke bridge needs to be replaced in connection with the Laufen flood protection project. There is currently a project for a new construction at the current location. However, it would also be possible to relocate the bridge downstream behind the ice rink.

In 2016, the people of Laufen addressed the issue of relocating the Naubrücke bridge when it came to a municipal proposal for the Nau site development. The result of the vote was a ‘no’, which meant that moving the bridge downstream of the ice rink was also rejected. The situation has since changed, as the canton of Basel-Landschaft purchased the Spilag site near Norimatt in 2019. Part of the area is needed for the flood protection measures. The canton and city therefore agreed to clarify the feasibility and benefits of moving the bridge behind the ice rink.

Based on the technical feasibility study, which was also carried out by Gruner, this variant has now been developed into a preliminary project. Gruner was responsible for the road and drainage planning and for preparing the environmental impact report. External planning offices were brought in to support the client, to work on the main structural aspects of the project (Birsbrücke bridge, SBB subways and supporting structures) and for the landscape and urban planning.

In the new project, Naustrasse - including the cycle lane and pavement - runs alongside the SBB line for as long as possible. The railway and the road are right next to each other. Between Schliffweg and the ice rink, the railway embankment has to be partially removed and secured for reasons of space. Only after the narrow section at the ice rink does the road turn towards the Birs. North of the river, it connects to Baselstrasse with a roundabout. Various measures provide visual and noise protection from the residential neighbourhood of Norimatt: walls or a landscaped embankment with trees, supplemented in places by a hedge.

On the inside of the curve of the new Naubrücke bridge, an arch rises above the carriageway. It ensures that the bridge can be built without intermediate supports in the Birs. This construction also lends lightness and attractiveness to the simple structure. The inside of the bridge will have a pavement and generous cycle lanes on both sides.

Safe paths are planned for pedestrians and cyclists along and away from the main traffic routes. The ‘Schliffweg’ SBB subway will be completely renovated and widened. The ‘Eishalle’ SBB subway will provide an additional connection in the direction of the swimming pool. A traffic-calmed, connected zone will be created on Seidenweg and in the Nau, with excellent connections to the Stedtli and the railway station. A new location for the climbing tower on the front of the ice rink is being considered as part of the bridge relocation project.

The current ‘old’ Naustrasse between Birs and Seidenweg is planned as a municipal road with pavements and some public parking spaces. The road will merge into the network of paths for pedestrians and cyclists close to the riverbank. As soon as the new Naubrücke bridge is built, the existing bridge will be demolished for flood protection reasons. To replace the connection for pedestrians and cyclists, the new Amthaussteg will be built a little further upstream.

Copyright Fotos: 

(1) Nightnurse Images AG
(2) Anex & Roth Visuelle Gestaltung
(3) Gruner AG
(4) Nightnurse Images AG

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