Flood Control and Mobility: Waagner-Biro’s Goliath Beam Bridge for Feldkirch, Austria
Facts and figures:
Place/Country: Feldkirch, Austria
Rental period: 2025 - 2026
Project type: Goliath Beam Bridge, Rental Bridge, Temporary Bridge
Client: Wilhelm + Mayer Bau
Description:
When the Montfort Bridge in Feldkirch, Austria, required replacement in 2025, the challenge was immediate: how to keep thousands of vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians moving while meeting strict new flood safety standards. The answer was the Waagner-Biro Goliath beam bridge – a modular bridge system that combines strength, safety and speed of installation.
The Montfort Bridge is a vital crossing on the national route linking Vorarlberg with Liechtenstein. Its reconstruction formed part of a wider flood control initiative, driven by new regulations requiring a minimum one-metre freeboard – the clearance between river level and bridge underside – to prevent debris build-up during high water. The municipality also sought to widen the new permanent bridge, creating safer space for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Shutting down the site without a temporary alternative would have paralysed regional traffic. To safeguard mobility, the municipality of Feldkirch entrusted Waagner-Biro with delivering a robust temporary road bridge, designed in full accordance with Eurocode live loading standards and high fatigue resistance.
In July 2025, Waagner-Biro installed its largest temporary beam bridge to date. The modular Goliath bridge, 40.5 metres in span and 10 metres wide, was assembled and lifted into place upstream of the existing structure in just three days. Twelve prefabricated modules, each 13.5 metres long, were joined to form the robust crossing. Its epoxy resin anti-slip deck and EN 1317 H1-rated guard rails ensure reliable safety and durability.
Thanks to the seamless fit of the modules and the commitment of the installation team, the temporary bridge was finished right on time. With the old Montfort Bridge now being dismantled, the Goliath beam bridge continues to carry all motorised traffic until the new permanent crossing is completed in spring 2026.
Alongside the temporary road bridge, Waagner-Biro also installed a panel bridge dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. With a width of 3.15 metres and a span of nearly 40 metres, the structure guarantees safe passage for non-motorised users throughout the reconstruction period.
This project illustrates the critical importance of modular temporary bridges in modern infrastructure. They keep traffic flowing, protect communities from disruption, and offer fast, sustainable solutions for governments and contractors facing complex construction challenges.
For Feldkirch, the Goliath beam bridge is more than a temporary crossing – it is proof that innovative bridge rental solutions can secure mobility and strengthen flood resilience while permanent structures are being rebuilt.
Are you looking for a reliable temporary bridge for your project?
👉 Contact Waagner-Biro to find out more about renting the Goliath Beam Bridge or other modular bridge solutions.
