Riedener Lech Bridge, Austria

The Lech River Bridge at Weissenbach, Austria, has a span of 52.6 m and an arch crest of 10.5 m for a 5:1 length to height ratio. The new bridge replaces the older bridge structure that was both in poor condition and had insufficient load-carrying capacity. The total length of the bridge is 65.2 m. The two reinforced concrete arches are positioned outside of the carriageway slab, 10.1 m apart. The 0.4 m thick carriageway slab is hung from the arch by suspension rods. With this system it has been possible to span the river without piers, thus avoiding the expense associated with scour protection to pier bases. The carriageway slab allows sufficient clearance for cycle and cross-country ski tails. With the carriageway positioned at a level one-third of the arch height, a pleasing visual balance is maintained.