Overview

• The Elbbrücke in Bad Schandau, closed since November 2024 due to structural risks, is undergoing a unique three-day load-bearing test that began on April 1, 2025.
• A remote-controlled vehicle, gradually loaded with up to 80 tons, is being used to simulate traffic scenarios and assess the bridge's structural integrity.
• Advanced sensors and microphones are monitoring real-time changes, including potential cracks or wire breaks, to ensure safety during the test.
• If successful, the bridge could reopen for limited traffic, including cars and light trucks up to 3.5 tons, within one to three weeks after the test concludes.
• The test, led by Professor Steffen Marx of TU Dresden, has drawn significant public and media attention, highlighting broader concerns about Saxony's aging infrastructure.