Photo motif Carola Bridge ruin gone - excavators destroy remains

After a good eight months, the symbol of the destroyed Carola Bridge in Dresden and frequent photo motif is history. Four special excavators are currently breaking off the last remnants of the two parts of Train C that extend diagonally from the central pillar of the Elbe crossing into the river, which looked like the legs of a triangle. The demolition, which began just over a week ago, "is almost complete", according to the city administration. The hammering could be heard as far away as the trendy Neustadt district and the banks of the Elbe - the rubble is also being crushed directly on the riverbank and the debris is constantly being removed.

Heavy equipment eats into prestressed steel concrete

Work began last Tuesday. The excavators, each weighing 38 to 50 tons with extra-long arms, are removing the two sections of track, including the streetcar system, from a bed created in the Elbe. Railings and overhead line masts are being dismantled and secured.

On Tuesday, ammunition was again found in the Elbe, according to the town hall. A dredging vessel brought up the American-style aerial bomb without a detonator and it was handed over to the explosive ordnance disposal service.

On the night of 11 September 2024, the western traffic line of the Elbe crossing collapsed unexpectedly over a length of around 100 meters. Since then, the structure from the GDR era has been closed - and in acute danger of collapse due to further fractures in the prestressed steel construction. The stability of its remains and rubble, which is currently being demolished, is constantly monitored and shipping is restricted.

City wants to inform citizens about plans

The city council is to decide on a replacement for the Carola Bridge before the summer. The administration favors a quick and modern restoration of the Elbe crossing. At a public event next Monday, citizens will be informed about the current status of the construction work, further demolition and reconstruction. Meanwhile, according to the city, the removal of bridge strands A and B is "in fine-tuning".