Bridge in Radeberg: closed for nine months - future uncertain!

Bridge in Radeberg: closed for nine months - future uncertain!

Radeberg, Deutschland - The bridge of Rathenauer Straße in Radeberg has been closed to car traffic for almost nine months. The reason for this is considerable damage that was determined during an examination by an engineering office. This bridge represents one of the main traffic arteries in the region and its closure has a noticeable impact on traffic. According to Tagesschau showed the analysis of the engineers that the bridge is only sustainable.

Investigations have shown visible damage such as crossing above the support and longitudinal cracks on the underside of the bridge. The possible penetration of moisture that could favor rust formation on the tensioning steel is also worrying. Eyewitnesses report the damage that now appear unmistakable.

The plan for monitoring

experts recommend carrying out a sound emission analysis over a period of at least three months in order to check potential cracks in the clamping steel carefully. These preventive measures are necessary because the bridge is a danger in its current state. Under the current circumstances, pedestrians and cyclists can still use the bridge while heavy -duty traffic is excluded. However, a possible partial release could be taken into account if there is no new damage in the coming months.

On June 25th, the city council of Radeberg will decide on the recommendations of the engineering office. The monitoring costs amount to around 350,000 euros - a considerable amount that is sustainable for the safety of the bridge and the user. This also contains the question of whether you should not consider a new building when the bridge is conditioned.

a new building in sight?

On closer inspection, it turns out that the Rathenauer Bridge not only requires a new consideration due to the damage. It was already intended in advance for demolition, since an increase would be required with the electrification of the railway line under the bridge. The fact is that the existing bridge is not designed for this electrification and is 70 centimeters too flat. A new building would therefore be absolutely necessary and, ideally, could be realized by 2029. The planning for this is already being negotiated with the Deutsche Bahn, as dawo

The condition of the bridge not only raises questions about traffic safety, but also shows the need for regular bridge tests. A look at the norms, as in Forum Verlag , makes it clear that regular checks are unavoidable to prevent states from being observed now. The last bridge TÜV in the summer of 2024 gave the grade 3.5-a defect that seems even more worrying after the tragic collapse of the Dresden Carol Bridge in September 2024.

The situation around the Rathenauer Brücke in Radeberg shows in an alarming way that it is high time to keep an eye on the state of important infrastructures. How the city of Radeberg and its politicians will decide remains to be seen, but it is clear: there is a need for action!