Commencement of Carola Bridge construction slated for 2027
The Dresden Carolabridge, following a partial collapse in September 2024, is slated for rebuilding, with construction expected to commence in 2027. This timeline, announced by Dresden's Lord Mayor Stephan Kühn and the head of the Streets and Sewers Department, Simone Prüfer, was disclosed at a recent citizens' event held in the Dresden Town Hall. The estimated duration of the project is approximately two and a half years.
To expedite the process, a replacement new build is being considered as an option. Unlike a entirely new planned bridge, this approach would avoid the time-consuming planning approval procedure, potentially allowing for an earlier completion, between three to six years earlier. Proposed adaptations include wider cycle paths, traffic lane reductions for motor vehicles, and the design of two rather than three bridge spans. The city council's approval will be necessary for the concrete planning stages such as selecting a planning office.
Kühn dismissed comparisons with the Genoa bridge replacement in 2018, stating that the conditions in Dresden are not the same, and the rebuilding process cannot be completed in two years. However, he affirmed that the fastest possible route is being taken.
The collapsed bridge span has been mostly cleared, with the removal of bridge spans A and B currently in fine-tuning. The rebuilding process, if approved, may face broader challenges in Germany's infrastructure development, including public investment and planning delays.
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- The city council is considering a swift approach for the Carolabridge rebuilding, opting for a replacement new build to circumvent the time-consuming planning approval process and potentially quicken the project timeline by three to six years, which will be beneficial for both the industry and finance sectors.
- With the anticipated challenges in Germany's infrastructure development like public investment and planning delays, the rebuilding of the Carolabridge, if approved, is expected to impact the transportation industry as well, as city planners will need to ensure wider cycle paths and traffic lane reductions for motor vehicles, and design two instead of three bridge spans for a more efficient transport solution.
