The Rhineland-Palatinate town of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler was hit by a severe flood disaster in the summer of 2021. Prolonged heavy rain caused the rivers to fill up, burst their banks and cause massive flooding in a short space of time. The immense masses of water devastated large parts of the city, damaged roads and buildings, destroyed bridges and caused the water, electricity and gas supply as well as the sewage system to fail. Many people not only lost their homes in this tragedy, but also their lives.
Since the devastating events in 2021, the reconstruction of the city has been in full swing with the aim of being better prepared for future flood events.
Many bridges, roads, public squares and facilities have already been renovated. But the city and its citizens still have a lot of work ahead of them.
In February 2025, the go-ahead was given for the extensive large-scale flood protection project in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, which stretches along Carl-von-Ehrenwall-Allee.
The project comprises the reconstruction, the restoration of the watercourse and the construction of an embankment protection structure along the banks of the Ahr.
By 2026, a new, solid concrete retaining wall, known as a baffle wall, with a total length of 400 meters and a height of 4.50 meters will be built here. It will be made of robust reinforced concrete and clad with natural stone to blend in harmoniously with the natural surroundings. The baffle wall plays a decisive role in the planned flood protection concept for Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. In addition to its aesthetic integration into the landscape, its main purpose is to widen the profile of the watercourse. In the event of future floods, the extension will ensure more efficient drainage of the water masses, which will significantly minimize the risk of flooding.
Extensive hydraulic calculations were carried out to ensure the safety of the residents. These show that the baffle wall is constructed in such a way that there is no risk of flooding even in the event of a 100-year flood. This is ensured by a so-called freeboard of 50 cm, which defines the distance between the water level and the upper edge of the baffle wall.
The project in Carl-von-Ehrenwall-Allee is an expression of an integrated approach to flood protection. Various measures of the urban flood protection concept are combined here. In addition to the near-natural baffle wall and the new parapet wall, numerous other measures are also being created that contribute to securing and improving the surrounding area. In the near future, a green, modern and future-proof avenue will be created that meets both ecological and urban planning requirements.
Günter Alsdorf GmbH & Co. KG, a renowned company based in Neuwied with over 50 years of experience in earthworks and civil engineering, has been awarded the contract for the construction of the new retaining wall on Carl-von-Ehrenwall-Allee.
Hoesch Spundwand supplied a total of 312 tons of Larssen 616 sheet piles with Biguma bitumen seals for the construction of the retaining wall.
Sheet piles are characterized by their high robustness and durability, which makes them ideal for use in demanding environments. The integrated bituminous seals provide effective protection against water and moisture, ensuring the stability of the structure in changing climatic conditions. The combination of first-class sealing technology and resistant material ensures that the sheet piles form a reliable barrier that makes a decisive contribution to safety and reliable flood protection.
By implementing effective flood protection measures and an optimal flood protection system, the occurrence of floods can be counteracted in the long term. The progressive construction projects in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler are not only a sign of resurrection after the disaster; they also stand for a new awareness of extreme weather events and the need to proactively prepare for them.
Hoesch sheet pile walls are used successfully worldwide in flood protection and are regarded as a fast, economical, high-quality and cost-efficient solution.
Are you planning to install a flood protection system with sheet piling or do you have any questions? Our experienced team will be happy to advise you in detail and support you with specialist knowledge and many years of experience. Because reliable flood protection is essential in an emergency!
Contact us us today! Don’t wait until the water is literally up to your neck – we can help you take precautions in good time.
The use of steel sheet pile walls in flood protection offers these advantages:
Further information on the subject of flooding can be found here.