Carola Bridge in Dresden: “We are working hard against time”

The demolition and clearance work following the partial collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden is progressing well. “We are really working flat out against the clock,” said fire department spokesman Michael Klahre this morning.

Work continued uninterrupted during the night to clear away the debris. “We are making good progress.” The aim is still to have the clearance work completed by Sunday. “Because the water level continues to rise and if this area is flooded, we will no longer be able to work here,” explained Klahre, referring to the flooding expected for the Elbe.

On Friday evening, two German army recovery vehicles arrived on site to provide support. “He was grateful for that,” said Klahre. “We are driving here on sight.” If the water level rises, it may be necessary to withdraw equipment. The ground is already muddy because of the rain, and equipment could get stuck. “That’s why the support of the German army is so incredibly important.”

The Bundeswehr’s “Buffalo” is primarily there in the event that the civilian clearance and recovery technology fails. According to the Bundeswehr, the 1,500 hp “Buffalo” can lift 30 tons with its crane system. The chassis is therefore equivalent to that of a Leopard 2 battle tank. The tank is able to clear obstacles and remove soil. It can also drive through bodies of water.

The plan is to clear the entire area of ​​bridge section C, with the exception of the section that collapsed into the river early Wednesday morning. This is to prevent subsequent damage from the impending flood.

According to the State Flood Center, the Elbe is expected to reach alarm level 1 on Saturday evening at the Schöna gauge, and in Dresden it is expected to reach alarm level 3 early on Sunday morning. “The water levels will continue to rise very quickly to the area of ​​alarm level 3,” say the experts. The highest water levels at the Saxon Elbe gauges are currently expected from Wednesday and Thursday next week.

The approximately 100-meter-long middle section of the tram track of the prestressed concrete bridge collapsed into the Elbe early on Wednesday morning, presumably due to material failure. According to the authorities, no one was injured. On Friday night, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) used explosives to separate the live parts, including the tram tracks and the district heating lines.

During the demolition work, further sections of the affected part of the bridge will be demolished in a “planned” manner. The concrete parts will then be dismantled and transported away using special machines. A total of ten excavators were in use on Friday.