Elbe at the site of the Carola Bridge navigable again

The Elbe in Dresden has been fully reopened to shipping traffic for the first time at the site of the demolished Carola Bridge. Previously, shipping was only possible with individual permits. According to the Elbe Waterways and Shipping Authority, the repair work on the fairway had been accelerated to such an extent that all restrictions could be lifted from Friday afternoon.

Ship traffic currently uneconomical due to low water

However, the water level in the Elbe is currently so low that the office does not expect a sudden increase in shipping. The current water levels do not allow for economical shipping traffic, it said.

The Carola Bridge - a reinforced concrete structure from the GDR era - partially collapsed last September. No one was injured. Investigations revealed that the entire bridge had to be demolished. The remains of the bridge had been removed by the end of July.

Remaining work needed in the Elbe

The collapse and demolition also damaged the Elbe's navigation channel. It had to be restored. According to the Waterways and Shipping Authority, various works in the area of the fairway and navigation channel are still pending in the coming weeks. Among other things, Elbe gravel has to be relocated and the water has to be searched for metallic objects such as reinforcing steel and tension wire.

A new bridge is to be built in place of the demolished Carola Bridge. The bridge is an important traffic artery for the state capital of Dresden. However, it is not yet clear when the new construction will begin.