Hamburger Hochbahn AG has carried out a two-stage design competition for the extension of the U4 underground line to the new city district of Grasbrook. The team consisting of Ingenieurbüro Grassl, Ney & Partners BXL n.v. and PPL Architektur und Stadtplanung placed second of eight international teams.

The approximately 1.0 km long infrastructure project consists of three segments: the bridge over the Norderelbe parallel to the historical Freihafenelbbrücke bridge, the viaduct section over land and the two-level bridge over the Moldauhafen with the Moldauhafen underground station floating above the water and with the attached pedestrian and bicycle paths.

The bridges over the Elbe River and the Moldauhafen will be steel structures boasting uniform design elements, adhering to a global design concept. The viaduct on shore will exhibit soft and curved lines and enters into a dialogue with the historical buildings of the Veddel district. The bridge and viaduct structures will create sustainable and urban spaces with an inviting atmosphere and offer sufficient room for pedestrians and cyclists. The new railway tracks will be given a continuous look by designing the shoulders on either side of the new railway tracks in the same aesthetic. Photovoltaic elements located on the shoulders will gain enormous amounts of energy, which represent Grasbrook as a location of innovation.

More information about the design competition can be found here.