World record over the B38: The new Franklin Bridge is open!

Mannheim has a new landmark – and it's made of wood! On February 5, 2026, the day finally arrived: The Franklin Bridge was officially opened to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. What at first glance looks like an elegant connection between two districts is, on closer inspection, an engineering sensation.

A world record for the mobility revolution

With an impressive span of 45 meters, the structure now holds the title of the longest integral wooden bridge in the world. "Integral" in this context means that the bridge manages without traditional joints or bearings. This not only makes them look slimmer, but also requires very little maintenance. The team from Knippers Helbig and DKFS Architects has proven here that sustainable construction with wood can be a winning approach even in large infrastructure projects. High-tech meets sustainability. The project was made possible by a clever combination of materials: solid wood provides the structure, while href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&rct=j&url=https://allgemeinebauzeitung.de/abz/besonders-nachhaltig-die-laengste-integrale-holzbruecke-der-welt-63085&ved=2ahUKEwibvdHEmsOSAxWs2wIHHVfOGK8Qy_kOegYIAQgIEAE&opi=89978449&cd&psig=AOvVaw1YoqTGqddekLw_wfvZvc2q&ust=1770410323277000">Carbon plates and concrete guarantee the necessary stability and longevity (at least 70 years are planned). The project, which cost approximately 9 million euros, was financed entirely by federal funding.