Planning approval decision: June 24, 1980 Confirmation by the Higher Administrative Court of Münster: 1985 Planning approval becomes legally binding: June 23, 1986 Contract awarded: July 1, 1986 Construction start of the flood relief bridge on the left bank of the Rhine: 1986 Construction start of the flood relief bridge on the right bank of the Rhine: February 1988 Start of work on the main bridge section (left bank of the Rhine): February 1988 Start of work on the power bridge section (right bank of the Rhine): February 1989 Last weld: February 1990 Completion was in October 1990