Elimination of the Carola Bridge puts a heavy strain on Dresden's traffic

The partial collapse of the Carola Bridge is having a significant impact on traffic in Dresden. According to a study by the state capital, traffic flows have shifted to alternative Elbe crossings, leading to noticeable delays. The effects for cyclists, motorists and public transport users are very different.

Albert Bridge at its limit - other crossings relieved

According to the report, the Albert Bridge and the Marienbrücke are particularly affected by the increase in car traffic, with 88 percent and 30 percent more vehicles respectively. The Waldschlößchenbrücke has recorded a moderate increase of eight percent, while traffic volumes on the Flügelwegbrücke and the Blaues Wunder have actually decreased. The average travel times on north-south connections have increased by four minutes - on the Old Town side by around 3.5 minutes.

Local public transport struggles with delays

In local public transport, the removal of the bridge has led to reduced punctuality, particularly for streetcars running over the Marienbrücke and Albertbrücke bridges. There are also delays on the Dr.-Külz-Ring.

A planned new turnout at Pirnaischer Platz should provide relief from 2026. Despite the restrictions, Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe (DVB) recorded the highest passenger numbers since reunification in December.

Cyclists rely on Augustus Bridge

According to the study, cycling traffic has increasingly shifted to the Augustus Bridge, which is now used by more than 9,000 cyclists every day - an increase of 45 percent. The Albert Bridge also serves as an important alternative route.

A working group has been set up to continuously monitor the traffic situation and further analyze the development.