Further measurements at the closed Elbe bridge in Bad Schandau

In-depth investigations will soon begin on the closed Elbe bridge in Bad Schandau in Saxon Switzerland. Experts have developed an inspection concept for this. Implementation is set to begin in November, as announced by the State Office for Road Construction and Transport.

The plan is to open up the concrete on the so-called lower span of the bridge in order to identify possible damage to the underlying steel. The strength of the material is also to be assessed using samples. Finally, measurements and calculations should provide an assessment of the bridge's stability.

The state office is also in talks with all parties involved to adapt the necessary detour. The traffic situation is tense due to the bridge closure. The nearest bridge over the Elbe is around 20 kilometers away in Pirna.

Closed for safety reasons

The bridge was unexpectedly closed on 7 November for safety reasons. This was preceded by a special inspection following the partial collapse of Dresden's Carola Bridge. This had revealed an acute need for action for the bridge on the 172 federal highway in Bad Schandau. Like the Carola Bridge, the structure is made of prestressed concrete.

The overpass over the Elbe has been completely closed since then - for cars, buses, pedestrian and cycle traffic and also for ambulances. It is unclear when and to what extent it can be used in the future. The upcoming investigations should bring clarity.

20 bridge structures in Saxony are in focus

In addition to the Carola Bridge, a further 19 bridges in Saxony are in focus and are currently being examined. This concerns bridges of a similar design - so-called prestressed concrete bridges in which Hennigsdorf prestressing steel was used. It is considered susceptible to corrosion. According to the authorities, longitudinal cracks have appeared on the lower span of the bridge in Bad Schandau.