Overview
- The Autobahn GmbH ordered a full closure after expert checks found concrete cracks, corrosion of reinforcing steel and damage to tensioning elements on the Friedrich‑Ebert‑Brücke.
- The decision to close came after on-site inspections that accelerated on Wednesday and officials say at least 14 days of detailed calculations and tests are now required to judge the bridge’s safety.
- Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder visited the site, declared the case an absolute priority and promised use of fast‑track procedures and funding to speed a solution.
- Bonn city authorities have set up a Task Force and put in short‑term measures such as adjusted emergency plans, extra Park‑and‑Ride and boosted local transit to cope with heavy detours to other Rhine crossings.
- Local business groups and engineers warn of large economic costs from prolonged closure and press for a replacement within four to five years, a demand set against a wider national backlog of ageing bridges needing repair.