The Elbe bridge in Bad Schandau can be used by buses and trucks again from Wednesday. The permissible vehicle load will be raised from 7.5 to 30 tons, the Ministry of Infrastructure announced. The load test that has been running since April has shown that the load-bearing capacity of the bridge is sufficient for this.
50 meter distance required
However, vehicles must keep a distance of 50 meters from each other. This is to ensure that the loads of several heavy trucks or buses do not overlap and put too much strain on individual bridge spans. This requirement is purely a precautionary measure.
Bridge remains under observation
The prestressed concrete bridge will remain under constant observation. Should there be any changes to its load-bearing capacity, the weight limits could be lowered again at short notice,
The Elbe bridge was unexpectedly closed completely a year ago. This was preceded by a special inspection following the collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden. Both bridges were built in a similar design. After more detailed investigations, the Elbe bridge in Bad Schandau was reopened to cars and trucks up to 7.5 tons as well as cyclists and pedestrians in April.
Future of the bridge still open
The long-term future of the bridge in the course of the B172 federal road has not yet been clarified. "The decision as to whether a new replacement, a bridge renovation or a bridge upgrade is required has not yet been made due to the ongoing investigations," the ministry announced.
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