Rotbach Bridge: Prevention and safety with Webnet

Initial situation and concept

The new Rotbach Bridge in Rothenburg (Canton of Lucerne) was built in 1975 as a prestressed concrete bridge and carries the main road between Lucerne and Beromünster over the Rothbach Gorge, which is approximately 28 meters deep. With a length of 128.6 meters, it is a vital transportation link for motorized traffic as well as for the many pedestrians who use the nearby Rothenburg Station.

As part of a bridge renovation project, a safety concept was developed to sustainably reduce the risk of falls and suicides. In addition to raising the existing railing, a passive horizontal safety barrier was installed. 

The goal was to significantly increase safety without substantially altering the transparency and appearance of the bridge.

Construction and implementation

Jakob Rope Systems implemented a custom-designed safety structure combining steel construction and Webnet structures. The delicate mesh panels were arranged along the sides of the bridge, forming an additional safety barrier that integrates as discreetly as possible into the structure.

A total of 34 sleeveless Webnet elements with a total area of 818 square meters were installed. The nets consist of Galfan-galvanized wire ropes with a rope diameter of 6 millimeters and a mesh size of 120 millimeters. Galvanized single strand ropes with diameters ranging from 14 to 19 millimeters were used for the bracing. The end connections were made using corrosion-resistant AISI 316 stainless steel components from Jakob Rope System’s Forte range.

The combination of a robust steel structure and transparent Webnet structures creates a durable, low-maintenance solution that meets safety requirements while preserving the bridge’s open appearance.