NDR Verkehr: Rader Hochbrücke Under Scrutiny Following Infrastructure Issues

NDR Verkehr: Rader Hochbrücke's Ongoing Inspections

Following the partial collapse of the Carolabrücke in Dresden, NDR Verkehr has sparked discussions about bridges throughout Germany. The Rader Hochbrücke, located along the A7 near Rendsburg, is under close observation by the Autobahn GmbH. A spokesperson stated, “The Rader Hochbrücke is being thoroughly checked and monitored, with swift repairs made for any damages.”

Preventative Measures in Place

• Temporary speed limits imposed.
• Weight restrictions for heavy transports.

It’s crucial to note that the construction methods of the Rader Hochbrücke differ significantly from those of the collapsed structure in Dresden, making direct comparisons misleading.

Future of Rader Hochbrücke

• The Rader Hochbrücke leads east of Rendsburg over the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal.
• Originally opened in 1972, it is a vital route to Scandinavia, handling around 54,000 vehicles daily.
• Projected traffic for 2030 estimates 61,900 vehicles per day, with a heavy load percentage of 16%.
• Due to its deteriorating state, the bridge is expected to remain functional only until 2026, with a new bridge being constructed parallel to it.

Similar Structural Issues Found

Additionally, at the Norderelbbrücke in Hamburg, damage was detected during a major inspection, leading to restrictions on heavy transport and a reduction to two available lanes for northbound traffic.

Recent Bridge Collapse in Dresden

In a significant incident, a section of the Carolabrücke, measuring approximately 100 meters, collapsed into the Elbe River early Wednesday morning. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the last tram crossed just minutes prior to the incident. Causes are still being investigated, but police have ruled out any suspicion of criminal activity.