The Commission has weighed in on the proposed build of the Waldschlösschen Bridge.
In the heart of Dresden, the Heinz-Steyer Stadium has made headlines for a different reason than its iconic bridge neighbour, the Waldschlösschen Bridge. While the latter's full building permit remains a topic of ongoing uncertainty, the focus has shifted to the stadium as its new scoreboard has successfully passed its technical test.
The Waldschlösschen Bridge, completed twelve years ago, is a complete new build that stirred controversy due to its impact on the Elbe Valley, once a UNESCO World Heritage site. The bridge's construction faced significant delays and permitting challenges, primarily due to environmental and heritage preservation concerns. These concerns ultimately led to the delisting of the Dresden Elbe Valley from the World Heritage List.
As of mid-2025, updates or approvals regarding the planning status of projects in Dresden, though not specifically mentioning the Waldschlösschen Bridge permit, are still subject to city authorities’ approvals. No explicit timeline or official expected decision date on the full building permit status 12 years post-construction is publicly referenced in available information.
Meanwhile, the Carol Bridge, planned as a replacement new build about 2.5 kilometers away from the Waldschlösschen Bridge, could potentially be affected by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the permit. The city of Dresden submitted all required documents to the Saxony State Directorate three years ago, but the planning authority's final decision is yet to be made.
Susann Meerheim, spokesperson for the Saxony State Directorate, has commented on the current status of the permit, emphasising the importance of carefully examining and taking into account the interests and rights of third parties affected by the new bridge project. However, no new information regarding the timeline for the final decision on the Waldschlösschen Bridge's permit has been provided.
The planning authority of the LDS is not currently involved in ongoing considerations and political decisions regarding the new bridge, such as timeframe, costs, design. The LDS's focus remains on ensuring that all projects in Dresden, including the Heinz-Steyer Stadium, adhere to the necessary technical and safety standards.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Waldschlösschen Bridge's permit, the focus in Dresden shifts from bridges to sporting events, as the city gears up for a new season with its updated scoreboard at the Heinz-Steyer Stadium.
The ongoing uncertainties regarding the full building permit for the Waldschlösschen Bridge have extended into the realm of policy-and-legislation, with no explicit timeline or official decision date publicized, despite mid-2025 updates on Dresden projects being subject to city authorities' approvals. Meanwhile, the politics surrounding the potential impact of these delays on other projects, such as the Carol Bridge, continues to unfold.
