Overview

• A new steel cable fracture was discovered on the Carolabrücke in Dresden on the night of February 27, 2025, over the Elbe pier on the Altstadt side.
• The bridge, already partially collapsed in September 2024, has been declared at high risk of total failure due to ongoing structural issues caused by stress corrosion cracking.
• Shipping on the Elbe has been suspended for at least 72 hours, with controlled passage potentially resuming Monday if no further damage is detected.
• The city has contracted a demolition firm to begin dismantling the remaining sections of the bridge as quickly as possible due to safety concerns.
• The structural failures have disrupted commercial and passenger ship traffic, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure repair and replacement.