Vertical bridge safety with Webnet

Initial situation and concept

The construction of a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the A9 freeway in Sion provides a direct and efficient connection between the Sion hospital center, the Echutes parking lot and the Tourbillon area. The bridge, measuring around 180 meters long and 4.5 meters wide, is designed for a daily volume of up to 5,000 pedestrians.

From a transport planning perspective, the structure improves the functional accessibility of the hospital site while also promoting non-motorized traffic and further developing the regional cycle network.

Design and implementation

An additional fall protection system was required above the bridge parapet as part of the safety concept. Jakob Rope Systems developed an integral mesh solution based on vertically tensioned Webnet structures.

The chosen solution meets the normative requirements for fall protection while considering the specific project conditions:

• Passive, vertical safety solution for a bridge structure across the A9 freeway
• Minimal visual impact through filigree construction and unobtrusive integration into the existing building structure
• Planning and dimensioning of the mesh and cable construction while considering wind and live loads
• Prefabrication and assembly of meshes and ropes in the factory to ensure a perfect fit
• Efficient on-site installation while considering the structural and operational conditions