Cologne A4 bridge protection: Barriers to operate earlier than planned

A barrier system designed to prevent overweight trucks from crossing a critical bridge on the A4 highway in Cologne will begin operation in July, a month ahead of its original schedule. The Autobahn GmbH, responsible for the highway infrastructure, announced that installation work for the new system will commence this month. This accelerated timeline is driven by the urgent need to protect the structure and address persistent violations of existing weight regulations.

Vehicles exceeding 44 tons have been prohibited from using the bridge since late April 2026. The restrictions were further tightened on June 10, when the section between Cologne-Klettenberg and Cologne-Eifeltor, in the direction of Olpe, was closed to trucks weighing over 7.5 tons. This intensified measure was a response to the continued presence of too many heavy vehicles traveling too closely together.

Currently, a specialized speed camera monitors compliance with these restrictions. The Autobahn GmbH stated that the installation of the new barrier system will not necessitate a complete closure of the highway. Vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tons will still be able to pass through the area. Once the barrier system is operational, the right lane is expected to reopen for trucks up to 44 tons. However, heavier vehicles will still be required to exit the highway at the Cologne-Klettenberg junction.