German bridge project uses low-emission XCarb® steel from ArcelorMittal

The German city of Hückelhoven is building a new pedestrian bridge using ArcelorMittal’s low-emission XCarb® steel, as part of a public infrastructure project on the grounds of the former Sophia-Jacoba coal mine. Around 300 tons of weather-resistant steel are being used to connect the Millicher Halde with Shaft 3 of the old mining site.

At the heart of the project is XCarb® heavy plate, produced by ArcelorMittal using 100% renewable electricity and a high scrap content via the electric arc furnace route. This process reduces CO₂ emissions by over 60% compared to conventional blast furnace production. According to the supplier, around 460 tons of CO₂ were saved during steel manufacturing alone.

The four-span semi-integral bridge was designed by engineering firm Werner Sobek in collaboration with Doser Kempen Krause. Its material and rust-red finish were deliberately chosen to reflect the area's industrial past. “We structurally optimised the design to minimise steel usage,” said Andreas Malcher, project manager at Werner Sobek. “The close cooperation with the city enabled us to specify low-emission steel in the public tender, further reducing the structure’s environmental impact.”

UnionStahl, a heavy plate specialist, is processing the steel. On-site installation will be carried out by the Tholen-Trepels consortium. Completion is scheduled for 2026.

Bernd Jansen, mayor of Hückelhoven, commented: “We wanted this project to be sustainable from the very beginning. By anchoring the environmental criteria directly in the tender documents, we’re making a clear contribution to climate protection.”

The bridge is the first public infrastructure project in Germany of its kind to require CO₂-reduced steel as part of the procurement process.

Source and Photo: ArcelorMittal Germany