Dresden Chamber of Crafts criticizes closure of the bridge in Bad Schandau

The Dresden Chamber of Skilled Crafts believes that the closure of the bridge in Bad Schandau has considerably slowed down the industry in the Elbe Valley. The closure is already having a "serious economic impact on craft businesses in the region", explained Chamber President Jörg Dittrich.

Chamber of Crafts sees the state of Saxony as having a duty

"The current detour via Pirna and Lohmen is in no way acceptable for businesses, as they are massively impaired by significantly longer routes, higher costs and considerable difficulties in delivering materials and visiting customers," emphasized Dittrich. It is the duty of the Free State to ensure a functioning transport infrastructure.

In a letter, Transport Minister Martin Dulig (SPD) is called upon to "create a solution to restore reliable and functioning traffic routing as quickly as possible". "It is essential that either the bridge is repaired or an alternative interim solution is implemented as quickly as possible."

Bridge to remain closed until the end of the year for the time being

The Elbe crossing on federal road 172 in Bad Schandau was closed on 6 November for safety reasons. A special inspection following the partial collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden had revealed defects. Like the Carola Bridge, the bridge in Bad Schandau, which was commissioned in 1977, is made of prestressed concrete and is now closed to all modes of transport until the end of the year. It is more than 20 kilometers to the next bridge in Pirna.