Stuttgart 21 IX: Welding Work at Neckarbrücke

About the sound

Stuttgart 21 is one of the biggest construction projects in Germany. It includes the underground construction of a new central station for the city of Stuttgart as well as the creation of a new network of tracks and tunnels that allows high speed trains to pass in the area, possibly reduces travelling times and connects Stuttgart to international transport networks. It is conducted by Deutsche Bahn and co-financed by public money.
However, despite enthusiasm from its founders and the industry, the project has been heavily criticised. Not only has it become much more expensive than expected, but there are also doubts about the efficiency and safety of the new central station as well as about the actual benefit of the high speed tracks. Moreover, the construction fuelled protests and many discussions on protected buildings and nature reserves within the city such as historic parks.
One of the main construction sites of the project is a new bridge over the river Neckar. The bridge, which is made from steel and concrete, is supposed to connect the new central station and Stuttgart-Bad Cannstadt. In this recording you can hear the bristling sounds of welding work from close by.

Sound: Konrad Gutkowski
Photo and Video: Kathinka Engels