Your mobility of tomorrow 11 September 2026
3 minutes

Fit for the Next 30 Years: Rejuvenation Programme for the Border Bridge in Wasserbillig

Since 24 August 2026 and until 20 September 2026, no trains have been running between Luxembourg and Germany. There is a good reason for this: the important structure that carries almost 90 freight and passenger trains every day between Luxembourg and Germany (and vice versa) is undergoing a major refurbishment. Nearly 30 years have passed since the last maintenance work in 1995, and extensive works are now being carried out both on and underneath the bridge.

A Historically Important Connection

  • The original border bridge was built in 1861 by the Prussian construction authority and the Guillaume-Luxembourg Railway Company.
  • In 1944, the bridge was destroyed during the Second World War.
  • Reconstruction of the current reinforced-concrete twin-arch bridge began in 1948.
  • In 1949, the left arch (on the Sauer side) was brought into service.
  • In 1950, the right arch (on the Moselle side) entered service.
  • Since then, the bridge has been jointly operated and maintained by Luxembourg and Germany. The boundary between the two areas of responsibility runs through the middle of the bridge at the central pier.

Every Five Years: Systematic Inspections

Every five years, infrastructure inspectors from the CFL examine structures, including bridges. This allows any defects to be identified and addressed at an early stage.

During one of these routine inspections, the bridge’s waterproofing system was found to be in need of renovation.

Water Ingress Calls for Action

One of the regular inspections revealed that rainwater was no longer being channeled away through the intended drainage infrastructure. Instead, it was penetrating the structure in an uncontrolled manner, providing a clear reason for intervention.

Additional engineering studies confirmed that the bridge remains structurally sound overall. However, they also showed that the waterproofing of the drainage systems must be renewed.

Photo Story: What Is Currently Happening in Wasserbillig

This material was transferred by excavator onto a specially constructed working platform in the Sauer River. From there, it was loaded onto lorries and disposed of professionally.
Almost 6,000 tonnes of coarse rock were required, among other things, to enable the repair works underneath the bridge.
This image illustrates the scale of the demolition work. In the foreground, the original height of the tracks can be seen, while in the background the exposed structure of the bridge arch is visible.
A photograph illustrates the scale of the demolition work. In the foreground, you can see the original height of the tracks; in the background, the exposed structure of the bridge arch.
Once the existing layers have been removed, the entire bridge surface is prepared so that the new waterproofing system can be installed.
The uncontrolled water ingress has already caused some damage. The affected areas are currently being repaired underneath the bridge.

Work Progressing to Plan

The works are currently progressing according to schedule, helped by favourable weather conditions. Although trains will return to the Luxembourg – Wasserbillig – Trier route once the line reopens, the refurbishment project itself will not yet be fully complete. Works underneath the bridge will continue into the final quarter of the year.

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