What are movable bridges and how do they work to end traffic jams in cities?

Roadwork and maintenance tasks on highways usually lead to traffic jams, creating a major inconvenience for drivers. This is especially problematic when people need to arrive on time to work, medical appointments, administrative procedures, or when they are traveling on vacation.

In certain situations, and in some cities, traffic congestion is unavoidable. To tackle traffic problems and, in particular, to reduce the impact of construction work on one of its main highways, Switzerland has brought back a solution known as mobile bridges. This same system was used in Japan in the 1990s to address similar issues.

The Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) deployed this system on the A1 highway, specifically between the towns of Recherswil and Luterbach, allowing vehicles to drive over the top of a mobile structure. The system consists of a series of steel pillars or columns on which a large crane places the panels that vehicles later use to cross the work zone.

Known as the Astra Bridge, Swiss authorities explain that separating traffic from maintenance work increases road user safety and improves working conditions for crews. Workers are protected from traffic noise and weather conditions, and there is no need to carry out stressful nighttime work.

More than 200 yards long with two lanes in each direction

In terms of size, the structure can reach more than 280 yards in length, nearly 25 feet in width, and almost 11 and a half feet in height above the ground. It can accommodate two lanes in each direction or, if needed, four lanes in the same direction.

The bridge can be moved to different sections where maintenance or construction work is taking place, ensuring that traffic continues to flow without coming to a standstill.

The system began operating in Switzerland in early April, although its first use in the country dates back to 2022. To avoid traffic disruptions, the infrastructure is always installed at night. During installation, traffic is completely closed at the work site so that machinery can operate safely before the bridge is put into place.

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