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Bad Schandau Elbe Bridge Cleared for 30-Tonne Vehicles After Load Tests

Officials impose a 50-meter spacing rule to limit overlapping loads.

Overview

  • The Saxony Infrastructure Ministry said buses and heavy trucks may use the bridge again from Wednesday, raising the limit from 7.5 to 30 tonnes.
  • A sustained load test running since April confirmed the structure can safely accommodate the higher vehicle weight.
  • Heavy vehicles must keep at least 50 meters apart to avoid simultaneous loading on individual bridge spans.
  • Continuous structural monitoring remains in place, and weight limits could be tightened again if performance indicators worsen.
  • The span on federal highway B172 was closed a year ago after checks prompted by Dresden’s Carolabrücke collapse and was partially reopened in April, with a long-term decision on renovation, strengthening or replacement still pending.