A sustainable single‑span crossing shaped by nature and movement

Friedrichsausteg

Ulm, Germany

2025

Infrastructure · Foot & Cycle

The River Danube forms a green recreational corridor between Ulm and Neu‑Ulm, and the existing Friedrichsau Bridge is one of its most important active‑travel links. As the current structure reaches the end of its life, the project offers an opportunity to create a new crossing that is more resilient, more spacious, and more connected - all while keeping the route open for almost the entire construction period.

A modern, curved bridge over water with two pedestrians, featuring sleek metal supports and glass sides, architecture by MOXON Architects.

Modern curving bridge over water with pedestrians, surrounded by leafless trees and cloudy sky, architecture by MOXON Architects.

Our proposal is a slender, single‑span deck in weathering steel, gently rising over the navigation channel and widening towards the riverbanks to create intuitive, generous spaces at key decision points. The design integrates planting, seating, and carefully shaped paths that respect the existing landscape and strengthen connections on both sides of the Danube.

A cross-section of a modern arch bridge over water, with cyclists and pedestrians, trees in the background, architecture by MOXON Architects.

A pair of inward‑leaning laminated timber arches provides an efficient and sculptural structural solution. The arches tie into the deck, minimising foundation impacts on the riverbanks and preserving views along the river. Stainless‑steel hangers and an open mesh parapet create a light, transparent character that blends naturally into the setting.

A tall, narrow architectural structure with an elevated platform and descending stairs with people, designed by MOXON Architects.

A bridge with pedestrians and a cyclist, showing sleek, modern lines and cable supports, architecture by MOXON Architects.

A modern pedestrian bridge with flowing wooden and steel design elements, featuring cable suspension and surrounded by leafless trees, architecture by MOXON Architects.

A low-angle view of wooden bridge sections supported by cables against a sky background, trees below, architecture by MOXON Architects.

To minimise disruption, the bridge is fabricated in large sections off‑site, assembled in nearby open spaces, and floated into position. This approach allows the existing bridge to remain open until the final installation, after which the old structure is removed and the new approach paths and landscaping are completed.