Bad Schandau: Temporary bridge over tracks to be completed in early 2027

The temporary bridge over the railroad tracks in Bad Schandau is due to be completed in early 2027. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, a tender for the implementation will run until May. Construction work is due to start in the summer. "We are stepping up the pace in order to limit the restrictions in the region as much as technically possible," said Minister Regina Kraushaar (CDU).

The foundations for the temporary bridges have already been laid, according to the information provided. For example, the road closures have been agreed with Deutsche Bahn and the necessary tree felling has been completed. In April, work will begin on securing the slope along the B172. This work is expected to cost 2.1 million euros and last until July. The hiking trail in this area will be closed and a detour is planned.

Existing bridge with weaknesses in load-bearing capacity

A special inspection of the existing bridge, which runs along the B172 over the railroad tracks and is adjacent to the Elbe bridge, which has been closed for months, revealed weaknesses in its load-bearing capacity. It will have to be demolished in the near future. Last November, the structure was temporarily closed completely. Traffic is currently being routed across the bridge in one lane at traffic lights.

In the long term, a new construction is planned and planning is already underway. However, a concrete timetable is not yet available. The temporary bridge will serve as a transitional measure until the new bridge is completed. A construction of around 630 tons of steel is planned, using the so-called push-pull construction method. This involves the bridge sections being assembled next to their final position and then moved. The costs, including maintenance and repairs during its service life, are around 10 million euros.