Bad Schandau bridge closure: companies fear for their existence

After the closure of the dilapidated Elbe bridge in Bad Schandau in Saxon Switzerland, almost a third (31 percent) of companies in the region fear for their economic existence. In a survey conducted by the Dresden Chamber of Industry and Commerce, 61 percent of participants also reported a drop in turnover, while nine percent complained of a loss of staff, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce announced.

Long travel times and higher transportation costs

Almost two thirds of companies reported a decline in orders. The longer travel times not only had an impact on employees, but also on delivery routes with increased transportation costs. "This makes it clear that we are in a situation that goes beyond what we know from floods and fires," said IHK boss Lukas Rohleder. The survey is not representative. 4000 companies were contacted, 400 responded.

Companies have adjusted delivery and production plans

Financial support is of course a quick requirement, but in the end the focus for everyone is on restoring transport links as quickly as possible, said the IHK CEO. The bridge closure had a very significant impact on economic activity. There is no pessimism. Companies had adjusted their delivery and production plans and were using vehicles on both sides of the Elbe.

The Elbe bridge was closed for safety reasons on November 7, 2024, which came as a complete surprise to locals and businesses. This was preceded by a special inspection following the partial collapse of Dresden's Carola Bridge. It should be clear by June whether the bridge in Bad Schandau can still be used, at least to a limited extent. Plans are already underway for a temporary bridge and a new bridge.

Companies want a temporary bridge this year

According to Rohleder, a common thread running through the survey is the desire to use a temporary bridge this year. However, expectations were dampened at an IHK event with local entrepreneurs. Work is only expected to begin in 2025, but not to be commissioned. The use of an old railroad bridge or a new interim bridge is being considered for this crossing.

Tourism should not be restricted despite traffic diversions

One appeal sounded unanimous: the region is looking forward to the tourist season, which begins in Saxon Switzerland at Easter. There are no reasons that stand in the way of a wonderful vacation. "The conditions are there, of course with the fact that guests will have to put up with one or two traffic restrictions. But that in no way detracts from the vacation experience in Saxon Switzerland."

District plans additional ferry connections

Michael Geisler (CDU), District Administrator of the Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains district, explained the plans to improve the traffic situation. Additional passenger ferries are to run between Bad Schandau and the opposite side of the Elbe, where the town's train station is located. However, it is questionable whether the ferries will be free for everyone as they are now, or only for locals and commuters in future.

Car drivers are still dependent on the next bridge in Pirna, which is around 20 kilometers away. According to Geisler, the ferries and additional bus connections cost the district 100,000 euros every month. The state should cover the costs.

Timeframe and costs for new bridge and temporary construction unclear

The aim is to eliminate the cause of the problem and enable a new bridge or temporary bridge to be built as quickly as possible, emphasized Thomas Kralinski, State Secretary in the Saxon Ministry of Economic Affairs. He also did not want to commit to when a temporary bridge and ultimately a new bridge would be built and what it would ultimately cost.

The only thing Kralinski is certain about is the paymaster. As the bridge carries federal road 172 over the Elbe, the federal government is responsible, emphasized the State Secretary. The bills for a new construction or temporary construction would be passed on to the federal government.