Project Nydegg Bridge
The Nydegg Bridge is the second-oldest bridge in the city of Bern. Its three stone arches have spanned the Aare River since 1844. Increased traffic, water, and weather conditions have caused damage to the bridge. This will be repaired in two phases from February 2027 through 2033.
Reasons to renovate
Water is seeping into the interior of the bridge
The current waterproofing protects only the area directly above the bridge arches. The retaining walls and edge areas are saturated with water from the roadway, which accelerates the weathering of the sandstone and compromises the structural integrity of the bridge. The difference between the poor condition of the sandstone on the wing walls and the sound sandstone on the piers at the arches is clearly visible.
Damaged surface
Ruts have formed on the pavement due to traffic. When it rains or snows, water collects in these ruts, which can be dangerous, particularly for cyclists. In addition, the side drainage channels have been defective and out of service for quite some time.
More safety for pedestrians
The Nydegg Bridge connects the lower Old Town with the BearPark, a popular tourist destination. When groups gather on the sidewalks, bottlenecks and dangerous situations occur regularly. The upper end of Klösterlistutz area is also narrow and busy. Furthermore, the four bus stops at BearPark and Nydegg are not barrier-free. To reduce the risk of falling, grilles will be installed in the large openings in the railing on the retaining wall between Nydeggasse and Nydegghöfli.
The pipes must be replaced
The City of Bern is renovating the sewer lines and the connections to the traffic signal systems. “Energie Wasser Bern” is replacing the electricity-, water- and gas lines; “BERNMOBIL” is replacing the overhead power lines; and Swisscom is replacing the telecommunications lines.
Natural stone restoration
Due to high levels of salt and moisture penetration over the past decades and centuries, the sandstone walls show severe weathering with significant material loss. These structural elements are to be repaired after the waterproofing has been renewed and following an extended drying period.
Construction work in two phases
- Waterproofing of the bridge superstructure (roadway, abutments, tree pits)
- Repair of the paving and drainage channels
- Widening of the sidewalks on the bridge by 50cm each to a new width of 2.30m; on the BearPark side, by 45cm
- Relocation of the roundabout in direct alignment with the bridge axis toward the Sprünglibrunnen
- Construction of a ramp system at Klösterlistutz, e.g. for people with walking aids or strollers
- Raising the bus stop curbs to allow barrier-free access
- Replacement of sewer and utility lines, overhead power lines, and lighting
- Replacement of overhead power line components
- Replacement of the damaged linden trees with 20 new trees on the Nydegg side
- Improvement of the seismic safety of the retaining walls
Phase 1
February 2027 through the end of 2028
- Restoration of the natural stone
- Reconstruction of the “Twin Staircase”
- Renovation of the “Nydegg Staircase”
Phase 2
Spring 2031 through the end of 2033
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Traffic detours
The renovation will take place in two phases. During the first phase, from February 2027 through the end of 2028, the Nydegg Bridge will be closed for motorized private transport.
Nice to know about the Nydegg Bridge
The damage to the natural stone is primarily caused by water and salt from winter road maintenance, which seep into the bridge through the porous surface.
Yes. The first—and so far only—renovation took place in two phases in 1983 and 1991. At that time, the bridge was waterproofed only over the arches, but not over the wing walls in front of the arches, where the water is now seeping in.
In the first phase, the roadway will be repaired and the surface sealed. Afterwards, the interior of the bridge must dry out. During this time, the neighboring Untertor Bridge will be renovated. Finally, work on the natural stone of the Nydegg Bridge will be carried out.
The work will be carried out in close collaboration with the historic preservation authorities. The roadway will be paved with natural stone, while the sidewalks will remain mastic asphalt. This preserves the characteristic appearance of the Old Town.
Yes. The access points for maintenance work and inspections will remain in place. The access point on the Old Town side of the bridge is currently located in the traffic area. For safety reasons it will be relocated next to the roadway. A new access point will be created on the BearPark side of the bridge. This will make maintenance work and inspections easier in the future.
Due to unfavorable growing conditions at this location, several trees have already been removed in recent years. According to the Department of Parks and Greenspace Service Bern, the remaining linden trees are in very poor condition. The plan is therefore to cut them down and replace them with 20 new, more climate-resilient European white elms along the existing row of trees. To ensure the new trees thrive, they will be planted in an underground trough system that provides sufficient space for their roots.
The total cost of the renovation is approximately CHF 34.1 million. In addition to the City of Bern (CHF 27.6 million), “Energie Wasser Bern”, “BERNMOBIL”, and telecommunications providers are contributing to the funding. Voters in the City of Bern approved the construction budget on March 12, 2023.
Building ownership Nydegg Bridge
Repairs the sandstone walls, vaults, and arches; renews the drainage and paving; installs barrier-free curbs; and enhances the quality of the public space and safety in the immediate surrounding of the bridge.
Replaces the overhead contact line system on the bridge and replaces the overhead lines at Muristalden.
Replaces the electrical-, water- and gas lines as well as cable ducts in the bridge and its immediate surroundings.
