The partial collapse of the Carola Bridge almost two weeks ago is exacerbating the budget planning of the Saxon state capital. In view of the tense situation, the administration is proposing to put prominent projects under the microscope during the consultations on the 2025/2026 double budget. According to the draft by Lord Mayor Dirk Hilbert (FDP), who is also responsible for the finances, these include the revival of the TV tower from the GDR era, the renovation of the Robotron canteen as an art venue and the Federal Garden Show. So far, these are only considerations and if they are, then it is a matter of postponement, as a city hall spokeswoman emphasized. And the budget will be decided by the city council and presented there in November.
If the funding for these projects could be reallocated and used for the restoration of the Carola Bridge, "we would have around 40 million euros with our own funds and funding as well as the money for the renovation to perhaps kick-start the planning and think about a new building," said the city hall spokesperson. The administration currently estimates the total costs for this at between 100 and 120 million euros. So far, 8.1 million euros have been budgeted for the Elbe crossing in 2025/2026 - still for the renovation of the destroyed strand C.
