Fear of Floods Accelerates Works on Collapsed Bridge in Dresden

Workers in the city of Dresden began the early morning demolition of the remaining sections of the Carola Bridge on Friday. The central part of the bridge unexpectedly collapsed on Wednesday without causing any injuries, though it did lead to the closure of the communication route between the old and new parts of Saxony's capital. Various elements of the viaduct were separated in a controlled manner using small precision explosive charges, explained Michael Klahre, a fire department spokesperson. Large concrete pieces are being broken down with pneumatic hammers and removed with excavators to clear the Elbe River's course as quickly as possible.

The collapsed section of the bridge included a bike lane, a pedestrian walkway, and two parallel tracks for municipal trams. The other section that remains standing, which has a road for motor vehicle traffic, was renovated a year ago and remains closed to traffic. On Thursday, it was already announced that the demolition of the damaged part of the bridge was imminent, and preparations for the complex operation began. "About 50 workers are involved in removing the debris," Klahre explained, noting that they are using excavators, pneumatic hammers, and specialized debris removal vehicles.

Laser measurements by experts revealed that the still-standing sections of the collapsed part of the bridge were about to fall, prompting a decision to bring them down in a controlled manner. During the night, specialists from the Technical Emergency Service (THW) used controlled explosions to cut large pipes supplying hot water and heating to city neighborhoods that ran beneath the bridge. The Ministry of Finance of Saxony and part of the regional government's headquarters, located next to the bridgehead in Neustadt district, were evacuated.

The debris removal is being carried out urgently as floods are expected starting Sunday due to a rise in the Elbe River from heavy rains anticipated from Friday through the weekend in both Saxony and neighboring Czech Republic. Precipitation is expected to reach up to 200 liters per square meter by Monday, and up to 350 liters in nearby mountainous areas. In addition to the Elbe, floods are also expected in Lausitzer Neisse and Spree rivers.

The Carola Bridge consists of three parallel sections each 400 meters long. The collapsed section C was used by bicycles, pedestrians, and trams, while sections A and B were for automobiles. All three sections are connected by transverse beams. Section B has also been damaged by the collapse. The restoration of the sunken platform was scheduled to begin next year but collapsed prematurely, supposedly due to structural corrosion.