Construction of Dresden's Carola Bridge to be completed by 2031
The Carola Bridge in Dresden, Germany, which suffered a partial collapse in September 2024, is currently undergoing demolition and clearance. The historic structure, a prestressed concrete bridge from the DDR era, was granted protected monument status in 2022, indicating the need for careful architectural and engineering considerations in its replacement [1][2].
The city council has decided to build a four-lane replacement for the bridge, and the tender process for the new bridge design is scheduled to take place in September 2025 [3]. Four offices have been commissioned to provide concrete designs for the new bridge, and these designs will be presented to the public and discussed by the end of May 2026 [4].
The public will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed designs, ensuring the new bridge aligns with the city's vision and preserves the historic charm of the original structure [4]. Following the conclusion of the Film Nights at the end of August, repairs on the Elberadweg and the Elbwiesen will be conducted [5]. The Elberadweg on the New Town side is expected to be usable again by mid-October.
The Terrassenufer, which has been inaccessible since the collapse, is expected to reopen following the construction of the new Carola Bridge, although a specific date has yet to be announced [6]. Construction of the new bridge could start as early as the second quarter of 2028 [7].
Despite the extensive demolition and the delays that may occur due to related issues such as the recent large-scale WWII bomb defusal in Dresden, no one was injured during the Carola Bridge collapse [8]. The best design from the four presented will be implemented, marking a significant step towards restoring one of Dresden's most iconic landmarks.
References:
- Carola Bridge Collapse
- Carola Bridge Protected Status
- Demolition and Tender Process
- Public Discussion of Designs
- Repairs on Elberadweg and Elbwiesen
- Terrassenufer Accessibility
- Construction Start Date
- No Injuries During Collapse
The city's financial resources will be allocated towards the upcoming tender process for the design of the new Carola Bridge, a replacement for the historic structure. Meanwhile, the industry of transportation may encounter temporary delays due to the ongoing demolition and clearance of the original Carola Bridge, particularly with the Elberadweg expected to be unavailable until mid-October.
