Dresden Awards €14.6 Million Bridge Renovation Contract for Loschwitz Bridge

The City of Dresden has awarded a €14.6 million contract to LEONHARD WEISS GmbH & Co. KG for the renovation and corrosion protection of the historic Loschwitz Bridge (Blaues Wunder). The four-year project covers extensive scaffolding, steelwork, and anti-corrosion coating works on the Blasewitz half of the iconic Elbe bridge.

Introduction

The Loschwitz Bridge, known locally as the "Blaues Wunder" (Blue Wonder), is one of Dresden's most iconic landmarks. This historic steel bridge spanning the Elbe River has been a symbol of the city since its completion in 1893. Over 130 years of service have taken their toll, and the bridge now requires extensive renovation and corrosion protection work.

The City of Dresden's Roads and Civil Engineering Office has awarded a €14.6 million contract to LEONHARD WEISS GmbH & Co. KG for the renovation and corrosion protection of the Blasewitz half of the bridge. The four-year project covers scaffolding, steelwork, and anti-corrosion coating works across the historic structure.

This project ensures that the Loschwitz Bridge will continue to serve Dresden's residents and visitors for generations to come.

Why This Contract Matters

The Loschwitz Bridge is a vital transport link and cultural landmark in Dresden. Its preservation is essential for both the city's infrastructure and its cultural heritage.

This contract matters because it:

• Preserves historic landmark: The Loschwitz Bridge (Blaues Wunder) is an iconic Dresden symbol
• Ensures structural integrity: Essential renovation and corrosion protection work
• Extends bridge lifespan: Extensive anti-corrosion coating will protect the steel structure
• Significant investment: €14.6 million contract
• Complex project: 4-year duration with extensive scaffolding and steelwork
• Competitive process: 6 bids received
• All German suppliers: All bidders were German companies

Contract Timeline

• Contract award notice published: 11 August 2026 (OJ S 153/2026)
• Contract concluded: 4 August 2026
• Start date: 19 October 2026
• End date: 18 April 2031 (approximately 4.5 years)

Contract Overview

Dresden's Roads and Civil Engineering Office conducted an open procedure for this procurement. The contract covers the renovation and corrosion protection of the Blasewitz half of the Loschwitz Bridge (Bauwerkshälfte Blasewitz).

Key features include:

• Single lot: Complete renovation and corrosion protection works
• Duration: 19 October 2026 – 18 April 2031 (approx. 4.5 years)
• Value: €14,642,073.26 (awarded) vs €16,579,014.48 (estimated)
• Evaluation: Technical value (30%) and Price (70%)
• Location: Loschwitzer Brücke, Dresden
• Scope: Scaffolding, steelwork, and anti-corrosion coating

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting authority	Landeshauptstadt Dresden, Straßen- und Tiefbauamt
Winning bidder	LEONHARD WEISS GmbH & Co. KG
Contract subject	Bridge renovation and corrosion protection (CPV 45221115, 45442200)
Procedure type	Open procedure (VOB/A)
Legal basis	EU Directive 2014/24/EU
Estimated value (ex-VAT)	€16,579,014.48
Awarded value (ex-VAT)	€14,642,073.26
Contract duration	19 Oct 2026 – 18 Apr 2031 (approx. 4.5 years)
Bids received	6
EU funding	None
Covered by GPA	Yes
Evaluation criteria	Technical value (30%), Price (70%)
Subcontracting	No
Bidders from outside Germany	0

Project Scope

The contract covers the renovation and corrosion protection of the Blasewitz half of the Loschwitz Bridge. The scope is extensive and includes:

Scaffolding Works

• 2,800 m² lattice girder scaffolding for suspended scaffolding
• 3,200 m² extension of suspended scaffolding to surface scaffolding
• 900 m² façade scaffolding
• 7,000 m² scaffolding covering with PVC tarpaulin
• 2,440 units modification of suspended scaffolding suspension
• 60,000 m³ space scaffolding as work platform (load class 3)
• 28,000 m² extension of work scaffold layers
• 3,800 m steel lattice girders (450 mm height)
• 16,100 m² scaffolding covering with welded PVC tarpaulins
• 150 m supporting scaffold - portal construction, protective roof
• 144 m pedestrian safety tunnel
• 240 m scaffolding stairs as access
• 960 m³ heavy-duty platforms (1.5 t/m² = 15 kN/m²)

Steelwork

• 230 m dismantling of fall protection
• 230 m installation of fall protection
• 540 m manufacture and installation of decorative railings
• 5,900 manufacture of decorative rondelles
• 500 replacement of connecting elements (rivets to SLP)
• 150 replacement of connecting elements (screws to SLP)
• 2,000 connections made on site (replacement of missing elements)
• 500 m grinding of steel edges
• 115 m inner footpath railings (dismantling, corrosion protection, installation)
• 135 lattice infills Pylon (dismantling, marking, installation)
• 230 m cover plates at roadway kerb (dismantling, processing, installation)
• 230 m cable trays at roadway kerb (dismantling, processing, installation)
• 230 m drainage channels roadway kerb (dismantling, processing, installation)
• 2 flag poles Pylon (dismantling, manufacture, installation)
• 2 roof coverings Pylons (dismantling, manufacture, installation)

Corrosion Protection (On-Site)

• 3,500 units manual/machine preparation of crevice corrosion areas
• 20,500 m² high-pressure hot water jetting (components V01-V07)
• 5,000 m² coating removal by blast cleaning (components V01-V07)
• 20,500 m² blast cleaning Sa 2½ of existing structure (components V01-V06)
• 1,100 m blast cleaning of double-angle interior (component V12)
• 20,500 m² 2 x primer coating, coarse and fine cleaning (components V01-V06)
• 12,050 m² intermediate and top coating of steel superstructure
• 7,500 m² intermediate and top coating of girder grid (component V06)
• 4,840 units surface preparation and 1st primer coating of load transfer points

Corrosion Protection (Workshop)

• 230 m high-pressure hot water jetting and blasting of cover plates
• 135 units pyrolytic stripping and blasting of pylon lattice infills
• 190 m² fine plastering and sweep blasting of zinc coating
• 540 m fine plastering of zinc coating of decorative railings
• 135 units hot-dip galvanizing of pylon lattice infills
• 540 m hot-dip galvanizing of decorative railings
• 230 m² primer coating, 2 x intermediate and top coating of cover plates
• 135 units 2 x primer coating of pylon lattice infills
• 190 m² top coating of railing infills

About the Contracting Authority

Landeshauptstadt Dresden, Straßen- und Tiefbauamt is the Roads and Civil Engineering Office of the City of Dresden. The office is responsible for planning, constructing, and maintaining Dresden's road and bridge infrastructure, including the city's historic bridges.

About the Winning Company

LEONHARD WEISS GmbH & Co. KG is a large German construction company based in Langen, Baden-Württemberg. The company is a leading provider of infrastructure construction services, including bridge construction, civil engineering, and road construction. LEONHARD WEISS has extensive experience in complex infrastructure projects and historic bridge renovations. The company's winning bid of €14,642,073.26 was significantly below the estimated value of €16,579,014.48.

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: An open procedure under VOB/A (German Construction Contract Procedures) was used.
• Competition: Six bids were received, representing a competitive field for a specialist bridge renovation project. All bidders were from Germany.
• Evaluation criteria: Technical value (30%) and Price (70%). The price weighting reflects the importance of cost efficiency for the public budget.
• Value for money: The winning bid (€14.64 million) was significantly below the estimated value (€16.58 million), a saving of approximately 12%.
• No subcontracting: LEONHARD WEISS will deliver the project without subcontracting.
• Duration: Approximately 4.5 years, reflecting the complexity and scale of the works.
• SME participation: Three of six bids came from SMEs, indicating that the procurement was accessible to smaller firms.

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
• No EU funds were used for this procurement.
• The procurement was not accelerated.
• No dynamic purchasing system was used.
• No framework agreement was used—this is a direct works contract.
• Six bids were received, all submitted electronically.
• Three of six bids came from SMEs.
• No bids were received from outside Germany.
• No subcontracting was declared by the winner.
• Disputes or review requests fall to the Vergabekammer des Freistaates Sachsen.

Market & Industry Perspective

The German bridge construction and renovation market is characterised by a mix of large construction groups and specialist SMEs. Bridge renovation projects, particularly for historic structures, require specialised expertise in steel construction, scaffolding, and anti-corrosion coating.

Key trends in this market include:

• Infrastructure investment: Significant public investment in bridge maintenance and renovation
• Specialist expertise: Historic bridge renovation requires specialist skills
• Long project durations: Complex bridge projects can take several years
• Regional focus: German contractors dominate the German market
• Cost efficiency: Price remains a key evaluation criterion for public works

Economic Significance

At €14.6 million, this contract represents a significant investment in Dresden's infrastructure. The project will:

• Preserve historic landmark: Ensure the Loschwitz Bridge continues to serve Dresden
• Create employment: Jobs for construction workers, scaffolders, and specialists
• Support local economy: The contract supports economic activity in the region
• Extend bridge lifespan: Corrosion protection will extend the bridge's service life

Future Procurement Opportunities

With the contract now awarded, future opportunities include:

• Other bridge sections: The other half of the Loschwitz Bridge may be renovated
• Other Dresden bridges: Other historic bridges in Dresden may require renovation
• Maintenance contracts: Future maintenance of the renovated bridge
• Similar projects: Other German cities have historic bridges requiring renovation

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this contract is awarded, future opportunities exist for construction companies:

• Subcontracting: Suppliers may find subcontracting opportunities
• Other bridge sections: The other half of the Loschwitz Bridge may be tendered
• Other cities: Similar bridge renovation projects in other German cities
• Specialist work: Specialist scaffolding, steelwork, or coating contractors may find opportunities

What Businesses Should Watch

• Dresden's future procurement notices for other bridge projects
• Similar bridge renovation tenders from other German cities
• Changes to German construction regulations (VOB)
• EU funding programmes for infrastructure projects
• Historic bridge preservation projects across Germany

GermanyTender Procurement Intelligence

This bridge renovation contract is a significant infrastructure project for Dresden. Several features stand out:

• Scale: Extensive scaffolding, steelwork, and anti-corrosion coating works on a historic bridge
• Value: €14.6 million contract, with the winning bid 12% below estimate
• Duration: 4.5 years, reflecting the complexity of the project
• Specialist expertise: The project requires specialist skills in scaffolding, steelwork, and anti-corrosion coating
• Price focus: The 70% price weighting reflects the importance of cost efficiency

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Competitive pricing: Price accounts for 70% of evaluation
• Technical expertise: Technical value accounts for 30% of evaluation
• Specialist experience: Experience with historic bridge renovation is essential
• Regional presence: German contractors dominate the market
• No subcontracting: The winner will deliver the project without subcontracting

Supplier Takeaways

• Offer competitive pricing—price accounts for 70% of evaluation
• Demonstrate technical expertise—30% of evaluation is quality-based
• Show experience with historic bridge renovation and corrosion protection
• Develop specialist skills in scaffolding, steelwork, and anti-corrosion coating
• Monitor Dresden and other German cities for similar bridge projects
• Build relationships with public infrastructure authorities

Key Takeaways

• Dresden awarded a €14.6 million bridge renovation contract to LEONHARD WEISS
• Project: Renovation and corrosion protection of the Loschwitz Bridge (Blasewitz half)
• Scope: Scaffolding, steelwork, and anti-corrosion coating
• Duration: 19 October 2026 – 18 April 2031 (approx. 4.5 years)
• Evaluation: Technical value (30%), Price (70%)
• 6 bids received, all from Germany
• Winning bid 12% below estimate
• No subcontracting by the winner
• Historic bridge (Blaues Wunder) is an iconic Dresden landmark

Conclusion

This bridge renovation contract represents a significant investment in Dresden's historic infrastructure. The Loschwitz Bridge, known as the "Blaues Wunder," is an iconic symbol of the city, and its preservation is essential for both transport and cultural heritage.

LEONHARD WEISS GmbH & Co. KG's successful bid of €14.6 million—12% below the estimated value—demonstrates strong value for money for the public purse. The 4.5-year project duration reflects the complexity of the works, which include extensive scaffolding, steelwork, and anti-corrosion coating.

As Dresden continues to invest in its infrastructure, further opportunities will arise for construction companies with the right expertise and capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Loschwitz Bridge?

Ans: A historic steel bridge spanning the Elbe River in Dresden, known locally as the "Blaues Wunder" (Blue Wonder). It was completed in 1893.

Q: What is the value of the contract?

Ans: €14,642,073.26 (awarded value, excluding VAT). The estimated value was €16,579,014.48.

Q: Who won the contract?

Ans: LEONHARD WEISS GmbH & Co. KG, a large German construction company based in Langen.

Q: What does the contract cover?

Ans: Scaffolding, steelwork, and anti-corrosion coating for the Blasewitz half of the Loschwitz Bridge.

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: Approximately 4.5 years (19 October 2026 – 18 April 2031).

Q: How many bids were received?

Ans: Six bids were received, all from Germany.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Technical value (30%) and Price (70%).

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 556413-2026, OJ S 153/2026, published 11 August 2026.