Erfurt worried: Are we at risk of a bridge collapse like in Dresden?

Erfurt worried: Are we at risk of a bridge collapse like in Dresden?

A dramatic bridge accident in Dresden shocked the entire nation: On September 11th, the Carola Bridge partially collapsed, fortunately there were no injuries. This disaster raises worrying questions about the safety of bridges in Germany, particularly in Erfurt. How thueringen24.de reported, 27 bridges in the Erfurt cathedral city are now on the danger list. Experts warn of a serious problem called stress corrosion, which affects the load-bearing prestressing steels and has already led to massively visible damage.

A particularly endangered bridge is the one on Schwarzburger Straße over Hannoversche Straße. During a special inspection there, specialists discovered a significant deterioration in the condition, which led to an alarming increase in the number and size of cracks. Alexander Reintjes, head of the civil engineering and transport office, explained: “It can no longer be ruled out” that prestressing steel could be damaged here too. To ensure safety, the city is taking measures: from December 20th, only vehicles weighing a maximum of 16 tons will be allowed to use the bridge, traffic will be reduced to one lane, and a strict speed limit of 10 km/h will apply. A traffic light system will also be installed to regulate traffic.

Concerned citizens and the future of the Krämerbrücke

Citizens' concerns are growing: Is Erfurt prepared to be confronted with an accident similar to that which happened in Dresden? The Krämerbrücke is also very popular as a well-known landmark in the city. Historically and architecturally valuable, it is a part of the cityscape that makes Erfurt residents proud. Anyone interested can find information and impressive pictures about the Krämerbrücke at fotocommunity.de.