Rope underslung utility bridge in Bern

Initial situation and concept

The Seftau footbridge connects the municipalities of Bern and Bremgarten. The 53-meter-long foot and bicycle bridge across the Aare will undergo extensive renovation from spring to summer 2026. Besides renewing the corrosion protection, parts of the existing support structure will also need to be replaced.

For the repairs, the walkway will be temporarily dismantled and refurbished off-site. Meanwhile, the utility lines running beneath the structure (wastewater, gas and telecommunications) will be routed via a temporary utility bridge.

Jakob Rope Systems (design, structural analysis, underslung cable system) and Von Rotz Seilbahnen AG (bridge components, installation) are responsible for the design, engineering, and construction of this temporary utility bridge.

The installation work involved the use of hoisting and lifting equipment supplied by Jakob Rope Systems: Various textile slings (endless web slings, lifting slings, quick-action straps, chain slings) and a Habegger HIT-TRAC 16B rope hoist.

Design and implementation

A specially designed rope underslung system, combined with lattice structure elements, provides a slender supporting structure with a span of around 61 meters. An ideal solution, considering the limited space available on site.

The structure consists of existing lattice structure elements, which are typically used as temporary support structures. It is complemented by two custom-made rope underslung support structures.

The underslung ropes are tensioned using open spiral strand ropes, which are attached and pre-tensioned on both sides at the upper sides of the specially manufactured end elements. These end elements also serve as the vertical bridge supports. The bridge deck is also connected to the existing abutments of the Seftau footbridge to ensure lateral stability.

After the temporary bridge is dismantled in late summer 2026, the components used can be reused in other projects. The result is a resource-efficient and sustainable solution.