Three WOLFF Cranes Power Austria’s Aurach Valley Bridge

The new Aurach Bridge near the Regau junction in Upper Austria opened to traffic in early September after more than three years of construction. Three WOLFF 7534.16 Clear cranes played a crucial role in the demolition and reconstruction of the A1 West Motorway bridge, managed by the Habau/Porr joint venture. 

Supplied by long-standing Wolffkran customer Habau, the flat-top cranes, each with a maximum load capacity of 16.5 tonne, were installed in 2022. They stood on two 77.6-metre towers and one 64.1-metre tower. The cranes supported both demolition and reconstruction, lifting reinforcing steel, formwork, precast concrete components, vehicles, and performing concreting works. Freestanding loads of up to 13 tonne were handled before dismantling in March 2025. 

Assembly and dismantling demanded meticulous planning due to tight conditions between highway traffic, railway tracks and a stream. Numerous safety and water protection regulations were observed, with Wolffkran’s technical support ensuring smooth execution. To enhance safety and efficiency, the cranes were equipped with slew limiters and cameras. 

Construction followed a staged method: a side-position bridge was built first to keep traffic moving, the old bridge was demolished, and a new bridge erected in its final position. In spring 2025, the temporary deck was laterally shifted onto the newly built piers using hydraulics and sliding tracks. 

Habau, a Wolffkran client since 2008, selected the WOLFF 7534.16 Clear for its high load capacity and significant freestanding hook height, making it the ideal solution for this landmark infrastructure project. 

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