Rostock's Kanonsberg Bridge: renovation brings a breath of fresh air for bats!

Rostock's Kanonsberg Bridge: renovation brings a breath of fresh air for bats!

There's a lot going on in Rostock at the moment: construction work to renovate the bridge on Kanonsberg has begun and everything points to a comprehensive renovation. This bridge, some of which has a history dating back to the 19th century, is in serious need of renovation. As NDR reports, regular inspections were carried out which showed that the substructures, specifically the pillars and abutments, from 1860 are now dilapidated.

The work includes extensive earthmoving, which is particularly necessary for the dismantling and renewal of the substructures. It is planned that this new building will be completed by May 2026. The total costs for the project amount to around 1.35 million euros, an amount that will be invested in the future of Rostock's infrastructure.

Visitor stop and diversions

You can currently see large excavators and visible earthworks at the city harbor. Part of the outdoor facilities on the north side must be closed during this work. But don't worry: the footpath and cycle path below the Kanonsberg will remain usable throughout the construction period, so that walkers and cyclists can continue to make their rounds.

In order to enable access to the bridge, demolition work on the old pedestrian bridge will begin in May 2025. As part of this work, the stair access to the bridge will also be dismantled. The steel superstructure, consisting of the tread and the railing, is lifted from the substructure using a mobile crane and transported to a workshop to be repaired. This much effort is necessary because the bridge's service life has finally been reached, as the Rostock civil engineering department explains in a recent announcement. In this context, explosive ordnance soundings are also carried out to check the underground for possible unexploded bombs, which is a common and necessary measure in construction projects.

Bat protection and nature awareness

An important aspect of the renovation work is the protection of the bats that live on Kanonsberg. A total of 16 bat boxes were mounted on the old bridge pillars. These boxes are now being dismantled, but in close coordination with the lower nature conservation authority. Replacement quarters will be provided for the bats so that the animals can move back in immediately after the new bridge is completed. According to NABU, it is important to carry out forward-looking construction planning in order not to negatively influence the bat population. After all, a lack of quarters could otherwise become a problem for the animals.

The cooperation between the developers and nature conservation authorities is a positive step towards nature and species protection - and not just for bats. By renovating this part of Rostock's cityscape and at the same time taking the needs of the animal world into account, an important signal is being sent for responsible coexistence. Whether this applies to the building structure or the animal world, work goes hand in hand here.

These measures will not only enhance the Kanonsberg as a popular excursion destination, but will also strengthen the city's green infrastructure. So let's stay excited to see what the result will look like after completion - it will definitely remain exciting in Rostock!