Drivers in Bad Schandau must once again prepare for restrictions and traffic jams: The bridge over the railroad tracks along the B172 will be reduced to one lane for safety reasons. Traffic will be regulated by traffic lights from the afternoon. The restriction will apply until further notice, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure in Dresden. This means that after the Elbe bridge, the next dilapidated bridge in Bad Schandau will be at least partially closed.
A special inspection has identified weaknesses in the load-bearing capacity of this structure, it said. However, a tonnage restriction is not necessary. Pedestrians can continue to use the footpaths, cyclists must push. A sensor system will be installed to monitor the structure and detect prestressing steel fractures.
One thing is certain: The bridge, which was built in 1975 and is directly adjacent to the Elbe crossing, will have to be demolished in the near future. Planning for a temporary bridge is reportedly already underway.
