Bridge in Bad Schandau: Companies fight for survival!

Bridge in Bad Schandau: Companies fight for survival!

Bad Schandau, Deutschland - The Elbe bridge in Bad Schandau has been closed since November 7, 2024 due to acute risk of collapse. This sudden measure, which was hit after a special test in connection with the partial fall of the Dresden Carol Bridge, has a significant impact on the local economy. A survey by the Dresden IHK shows that 31 percent of companies in the region fear their economic existence. In addition, 61 percent of the companies surveyed report declines in sales.

It is particularly worrying that 9 percent of companies are also affected by personnel losses. Most companies have a decline in orders, which leads to continuing uncertainty. The IHK check has shown that the situation is more serious than the challenges caused by floods or fire situations. IHK general manager Lukas Rohleder expressed that the situation should be classified as extremely serious.

claims for support and possible solutions

In the middle of this crisis, the companies concerned have had to adapt their delivery and production plans. Financial support is increasingly required, but the focus is on restoring the transport connection. In this context, planning for a makeshift bridge and a replacement building are already underway. Companies' wish is to use a makeshift bridge in 2025, with alternative solutions such as using an old railway bridge or a new interim bridge.

The effects of the bridge closure also mean that drivers have to switch to bridges in Pirna about 20 kilometers away. The local authorities are planning additional passenger ferries between Bad Schandau and the opposite side of the Elbe, although it remains unclear whether the ferries are still available free of charge or a fee for commuters and residents will be charged. The monthly costs for the ferries and additional bus connections amount to around 100,000 euros that are to be borne by the state. State Secretary Thomas Kralinski emphasized that the federal government is responsible for financing a new or makeshift bridge. These developments were both by the Borkener Zeitung href = "https://www.stern.de/sgesellschaft/regional/sachsen/marode-infrastructure--bruecke-bad-bad-schandau--firmen-bangen-um-existenz-35360812.html"> Stern comprehensively documented.

-transmitted by West-Ost-media