Tomorrow's Potential Restoration of Tram Service on Wuhlheide Bridge - Trams might resume operation the next day.
Berlin's Wuhlheide Bridge, weakened by structural issues, may reopen to trams and emergency services tomorrow, authorities announced. The 245-meter structure, located in the district of Berlin-Oberschöneweide, has been closed since late April due to increasing cracks discovered during routine inspections.
The bridge's full closure has disrupted tram traffic and emergency services like the police and fire department. Cyclists and pedestrians have also been affected. The structurally compromised bridge has been completely shut since last Monday.
The closure has led to significant traffic disruptions on both roads and rails. Currently, trams on the Köpenicker side beyond the bridge are operating independently, without connection to the rest of the network.
Starting Thursday, the isolated operation is set to end. Emergency services will be able to resume their routes towards Treskowallee or Edisonstraße. Security personnel will manage access in case of an emergency, allowing rescue, firefighting, and police vehicles to pass through the track connection.
According to reports, the Berlin Transport Authority plans to commence a shuttle service tomorrow morning and switch to regular operation by Saturday at the latest. The bridge's structural issues have been primarily attributed to an Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) that has degraded the concrete since at least 2017[5].
However, the bridge's long-term solution remains uncertain, with possibilities including a new construction or major renovation[5]. The immediate focus is on ensuring the safety and operational continuity of transportation services in the area.
The community policy regarding traffic disruptions should address the alternative routes for tram services and emergency services like police and fire departments, considering the closure of the Wuhlheide Bridge. The employment policy for transportation industry, particularly in finance and management, might need adjustments due to the prolonged bridge closure and potential long-term repair or replacement plans.