Four-Lane Carolabridge: Costly and Time-Consuming for Dresden!
Dresden Faces Costly Construction of Expensive Four-lane Carola Bridge
Dresden's city council's center-right faction has made a bold move. They've decided to construct the new Carolabridge with a whopping four lanes. But, like they say, every decision has its consequences.
By Lennart Zielke
Dresden - Four lanes for the Carolabridge! The city council's decision isn't just remarkable; it's costly and time-consuming, according to city Mayor of Construction Stephan Kuhn (45, Greens).
The previous 140 million euro estimate was based on a bridge only slightly wider than its predecessor (33 meters). However, with the decision to go for four car lanes, the structure will now expand to a staggering 41 meters, causing millions more in costs for the city, as per experts. SPD finance politician Peter Lames (60) questioned the funding received under this solution, commenting, "Those who build on an oversized scale often have no claim to funding."
To ensure transparency and public participation, the city councils will be regularly involved in the planning process through two special committees in the future. This engagement will add time to the process: "We have so far assumed a construction start in the fall of 2027," said Kuhn, but with the regular participation of special committees, the construction start may now shift towards summer 2028. Each passing month brings additional costs of 500,000 euros, as calculated by Mayor Kuhn.
The Bigger, the More Costly
Expanding the bridge to four lanes will result in increased construction and material costs, traffic disruptions, potential structural challenges, environmental impacts, and long-term maintenance expenses. Given the Carolabridge's fragility as a prestressed concrete bridge, balancing structural integrity, safety, and costs will be crucial [1].
Featured image: Photo montage: Eric Münch//Holm Helis
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[1] Prestressed concrete bridges: A brief overview - prestressed concrete bridges are a type of bridge, particularly popular in the mid-20th century, that use high-tensioned wires to compress a concrete section before it hardens, improving the bridge's strength and longevity. However, the Carolabridge's age and type make it vulnerable to structural issues [2].
Politics and general-news: The decision to build a four-lane Carolabridge in Dresden is causing controversy, with city officials questioning the increased costs and funding associated with the project. Despite the potential challenges, two special committees will be involved in the planning process to ensure transparency, which could delay construction until summer 2028.
