Visit to the Kriegenbrunn lock construction site: milestone for waterway infrastructure

During a visit to the construction site, Walter Nussel, member of the state parliament, together with STRABAG board member Ralf Lüddemann and Peter Hübner, President of the Federation of the German Construction Industry, learned about the progress of the new lock construction in Kriegenbrunn on the Main-Danube Canal. The project is regarded as a showcase of modern engineering, partnership-based cooperation and sustainable infrastructure development.

The consortium of renowned construction companies ZÜBLIN, Bauer and STRABAG is responsible for the construction of the new lock, which was originally built in 1971. Planning began back in 2009 and the contract was awarded in 2022. Particularly noteworthy: the new construction is taking place during ongoing operations - a first on this scale.
At the on-site meeting, the participants not only exchanged views on technical details and planning, but also discussed current challenges in the construction industry, digital possibilities in project preparation and the need for accelerated approval procedures.

Walter Nussel, Bavarian State Government Commissioner for Bureaucracy Reduction, emphasized:
"Locks are a central component of our infrastructure and therefore essential for basic services. Temporary construction sites like this therefore require faster approval processes."

Peter Hübner praised the close cooperation between clients and contractors:
"The construction industry impressively demonstrates its skills here - from technical expertise and precise planning through to implementation during ongoing operations. Projects like this can only succeed through genuine partnership."

Ralf Lüddemann also emphasized the importance of early coordination:
"We are delighted with the trust that has been placed in us. It shows how important constructive cooperation is right from the start for the successful expansion of our infrastructure."

The participants agreed that waterways play a key role in supply and logistics in Germany. They enable the environmentally friendly and cost-effective transportation of goods, relieve the burden on roads and railways and strengthen cross-border trade. They can also help to supply cut-off regions in crisis situations.

Mareike Bodsch, Head of the Aschaffenburg Waterways New Construction Office, summarized:
"Waterways are a supporting pillar of our transport infrastructure. Success lies in cooperation at eye level."

Key technical data for the Kriegenbrunn lock:

Lifting height: 18.30 meters
Total length: 329 meters
Usable length: 190 meters
Width: 13.5 meters
Locking time: approx. 18 minutes
Shipping traffic: around 7700 locks per year
Planned construction time: 96 months

News source: MP Walter Nussel's office