Saxon Bridge Infrastructure Faces Crisis as Safety Concerns Grow

Following the partial collapse of Dresden's Carolabrücke, inspections reveal widespread structural risks in bridges across Saxony, prompting closures, demolitions, and urgent safety measures.

The September collapse of Dresden's Carolabrücke, caused by corrosion in its Spannstahl, has triggered inspections of 19 similar bridges in Saxony, with several found to be at risk of failure.
The B101 bridge in Großenhain was abruptly closed and is being demolished after inspections revealed immediate structural dangers; traffic and rail services have been rerouted until further notice.
Bad Schandau's Elbbrücke remains closed due to severe structural issues, with a potential reopening or replacement not expected before mid-2025, causing significant disruptions for residents and businesses.
Saxony's infrastructure minister has called for updated bridge inspection regulations, including mandatory concrete sampling, to prevent sudden failures in aging Spannbetonbrücken.
Broader concerns about Spannstahl's vulnerability have emerged nationally, with other regions, like Baden-Württemberg, planning to replace dozens of similarly constructed bridges by 2030.