From May 1, 2026, ban on heavy transports over 44 tonnes on the Köhlbrand Bridge in Hamburg

Hamburg is introducing new restrictions on the Köhlbrand Bridge – from May 1, 2026, transports weighing more than 44 tonnes will no longer be allowed to use the crossing.

The decision by the city authorities, referring to the Hamburg Port Authority, aims to protect the bridge structure and extend its service life. The restriction applies to oversized and heavy transports requiring special permits and does not affect standard trucks up to 44 tonnes. The Hamburg authorities (Wirtschaftsbehörde), based on an analysis by the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), announced that the Köhlbrand Bridge will be closed to transports requiring permits with a weight exceeding 44 tonnes. Standard truck combinations up to 44 tonnes can still use the crossing, meaning the port remains fully operational for most carriers.

The decision is driven by the need to protect the bridge structure, whose technical condition has shown signs of deterioration in recent years. Hamburg authorities indicate that the heaviest transports generate significantly higher loads than standard trucks, accelerating the wear and reducing the lifespan of the crossing.