The state capital of Wiesbaden is thus creating a convenient, accessible, and safe connection to the existing pedestrian and bike path on the Kaiserbrücke on the Wiesbaden side. The project closes a long-standing gap in the inter-city bike path network and sustainably improves the connection between Wiesbaden and Mainz. 

Andreas Kowol, head of the transportation department, emphasizes the project’s importance for expanding bicycle infrastructure: “The Radspindel is far more than just a ramp. It closes a critical gap in the bicycle network and makes a connection that is already in high demand today significantly more attractive. In doing so, we are strengthening eco-friendly transportation, improving traffic safety, and creating infrastructure that meets the mobility needs of tomorrow.” 

“For many people, the Kaiserbrücke is an important daily connection between Mainz and Wiesbaden. The new ‘Radspindeln’ remove a long-standing barrier and will make crossing the Rhine much more convenient in the future—especially for those using e-bikes, cargo bikes, or bike trailers. This is a real boon for cross-city and cross-state bicycle traffic and, at the same time, a strong example of the good cooperation between our two state capitals,” explains Janina Steinkrüger, Mainz’s Director of Mobility. 

The Kaiserbrücke is a major link between the two state capitals. A variety of regional and interregional bike routes run along the Rhine, such as the R3 long-distance bike route, EuroVelo 15, and the Radachter Süd. Until now, the pedestrian and bike path on the Wiesbaden side has been accessible only via a flight of stairs with grooves for wheelchairs. The new bike ramp significantly shortens the route and makes crossing the Rhine much more relaxed and accessible in everyday life. 

The new spiral ramp will be approximately four meters wide, providing all users with a comfortable and barrier-free access route. It will overcome a 9.50-meter elevation difference in three turns, and the handrail will be illuminated. Once the spiral ramp is completed, the existing staircase—which is in need of renovation—will be replaced with a new structure. Access to the Kaiserbrücke will remain available at all times throughout the construction period. Bicycle traffic between the Kaiserbrücke and the Rhein Port marina will be rerouted via Biebricher Straße. Completion is scheduled for spring 2028. 

The project is part of the basic bicycle network as well as the air quality plan of the state capital, Wiesbaden. The goal is to further promote bicycle traffic, increase the share of climate-friendly mobility, and make traffic between Wiesbaden and Mainz more sustainable. The route across the Kaiserbrücke is already heavily used today. Traffic counts recorded approximately 600 cyclists per day even before planning began—despite the fact that access to the bridge has so far only been possible via stairs. 

The costs amount to approximately 4.9 million euros, of which 2.84 million euros will be covered by grants from the Federal Ministry of Transport. The planning was carried out in close coordination with the state capital of Mainz, Deutsche Bahn, and the Waterways and Shipping Authority. 

During an inspection of the pedestrian and bike path on the Kaiserbrücke (North Bridge), damage to the pavement was discovered that significantly jeopardizes traffic safety. To carry out the work with as few disruptions as possible, this maintenance project will be combined with the construction of the spiral ramp. Consequently, the bridge will be closed to pedestrian and bicycle traffic for approximately four weeks starting Tuesday, August 25. During this time, the surface will be renewed so that, upon completion of the spindle, a new, comfortable bridge surface will be in place, thereby avoiding closures at a later date. The detour will be routed via the Schiersteiner Bridge and the Theodor-Heuss Bridge and will be clearly signposted.

Today’s start of construction marks the implementation of a project that was already approved in 2019 as part of the emergency package for air quality control. With the bike ramp, the Kaiser Bridge will become an even more attractive hub for bicycle traffic between Wiesbaden and Mainz—an important step toward bicycle-friendly, climate-friendly mobility in the region.