Damage reported for the first time on Forest Castle Bridge
The Waldschlösschen Bridge, the most expensive Elbe bridge in Germany to date with a construction cost of approximately 180 million euros, has been in a state of legal uncertainty since its official opening twelve years ago.
Recent inspections have revealed several issues, including cracks found in the base plate of the superstructure, substructures, and open joints and breakouts in the roadway. Parts of the pedestrian path have also shown signs of weathering. These discoveries have raised concerns about the bridge's current condition and potential problems that may arise in the future.
The planning approval decision for the construction of the Waldschlösschen Bridge was declared unlawful by the Federal Administrative Court on 15 July 2016. Since then, nine years have passed, but there is still no legally valid planning approval decision. A supplementary procedure is required to remedy the identified defects in the planning approval decision.
The Left city councillor André Schollbach has expressed concern about the long duration of the planning approval procedure and its potential impact on a future planning approval procedure for the replacement new construction of the Carol Bridge. He has inquired about the status of the planning approval procedure for the Waldschlösschen Bridge, but the city administration of Landeshauptstadt Dresden could not provide a time schedule for its completion.
The damage to the Waldschlösschen Bridge was first discovered through a council inquiry, and the financial expenditure for the preparation of documents submitted to the Saxon State Directorate for the planning approval procedure amounts to 242,000 euros. Despite these efforts, there is no information available about the current status of the approval process for the new construction of the Carol Bridge or its relationship to the planning procedure of the Waldschlösschen Bridge.
As the Waldschlösschen Bridge remains in a state of legal uncertainty, it is essential to address the identified issues and move towards a legally valid planning approval decision to ensure the safety and longevity of this significant structure.
