Table of Contents
- 1 Blocked until the end of the year at least
- 2 Travel longer
- 3 There is no shorter schedule in winter
- 4 It takes time
- 5 What measures can be taken to ensure that the voices and needs of marginalized communities within Bad Schandau are adequately represented in the decision-making processes surrounding the bridge’s future?
in the middle
After the Carola Bridge in Dresden collapsed, a bridge a few kilometers upstream was completely closed as a precautionary measure. In Bad Schandau people now have to change to the ferry.
He is currently one of the most popular men in the small tourist town of Saxon Switzerland: Steffen Weidemann controls the pedestrian ferry in Bad Schandau from one side of the Elbe to the other another. It is the last remaining link within a 20-kilometer radius since the bridge here was completely and unexpectedly closed about two weeks ago.
“It literally happened overnight,” said Fährmann Weidemann. “The services are now a bit longer and harder. But well, we all have to pull together now.”
Blocked until the end of the year at least
The bridge connects the areas of Bad Schandau together. The railway station is on one side and the town center on the other.
After the collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden in September, the authorities have become more cautious. An investigation here has now revealed cracks from which rusty water flows. The steel inside could be damaged. The State Office for Road Construction and Transport has now decided to close the bridge until the end of the year at least.
“The Elbe Bridge has already been a major artery for the region,” said Mayor Thomas Kunack. Quick solutions must be found now. You could continue like this for a few weeks or months. “But not for years,” says Kunack. Otherwise the sector would suffer both economically and privately.
The Elbe bridge in Bad Schandau connects the railway station and the town centre.
Travel longer
Passengers have been able to use the ferry for free since the closure. But they are still angry. Even if they try to stay calm. “This is my daily commute that I have to complete,” said his father. “That’s bad. That makes it hard to buy.”
A passenger says: “It’s an impossible situation. ” For those who have to go to work or to the care service every day, this is not possible for a long time.
It’s good to sit together in the morning before work and talk to each other, says another passenger. “The downside is that my commute is half an hour longer a day.”
There is no shorter schedule in winter
Actually, with the start of the winter season, a shorter schedule would be the norm. Instead, Steffen Weidemann and his colleagues work 11.5-hour shifts.
It starts early, said the ferryman. “The first passengers arrived at 4:25 a.m.,” says Weidemann. They often have to take the train farther than they would otherwise have driven by car. “The main rush hour is definitely until 8am. “
The area thrives on tourism, Saxon Switzerland attracts hikers. But the big concern is that with a major artery missing, tourists may stay away.
“It’s low season now,” says hotel owner Daniel Mitzscherlich. “Now there are fewer tourists. The streets are not as busy. This will only get worse and worse when the season starts again.”
It takes time
Floods, forest fires in Saxon Switzerland – in Bad Schandau the people are under an emergency test. And this is how Steffen Weidemann and his colleagues are trying to overcome this crisis.
But the closed bridge is causing great concern to everyone. No one knows right now what will happen next. Anything between repair and new construction seems possible right now. The only thing that is certain is that it will take time.
2024-11-23 15:14:00
#Broken #bridge #Saxon #Switzerland #completely #closed
What measures can be taken to ensure that the voices and needs of marginalized communities within Bad Schandau are adequately represented in the decision-making processes surrounding the bridge’s future?
Here are some open-ended questions based on the article, divided into thematic sections:
**1. Impact on Daily Life and Tourism:**
* How has the bridge closure specifically affected the daily routines of people like Steffen Weidemann?
* What are some of the long-term consequences of the bridge closure for the tourism industry in Saxon Switzerland, especially considering the upcoming tourist season?
* What measures can businesses like Daniel Mitzscherlich’s hotel take to mitigate the impact of the bridge closure and still attract tourists?
* Are there alternative transportation options being explored or implemented to help tourists and locals navigate the lack of the bridge?
**2. Economic and Social Consequences:**
* Beyond tourism, what other businesses or industries in the region are significantly affected by the bridge closure?
* How might the bridge closure impact local employment and the overall economy of Bad Schandau and surrounding areas?
* What are the social consequences of the bridge closure? Are there any concerns about community cohesion or isolation?
**3. Recovery and Reconstruction:**
* What are the different possibilities being considered for the bridge’s future – repair or complete reconstruction? What are the pros and cons of each option?
* How long is the estimated timeline for the bridge to be operational again, and what factors might influence this timeline?
* What lessons can Bad Schandau learn from this experience to better prepare for future infrastructure challenges or natural disasters?
* What role should the government play in supporting the recovery of the region from this crisis?
**4. Inclusivity and Diverse Perspectives:**
* How are local residents from different backgrounds and age groups being impacted by the bridge closure? Are there any specific challenges or concerns being voiced by marginalized communities?
* Have there been any community initiatives or volunteer efforts organized to help cope with the situation?
* How can communication and information sharing be improved to ensure that all residents are kept informed and have access to necessary resources?
Remember, these are just starting points. The goal is to encourage a thoughtful and nuanced discussion about the complex issues raised by the bridge closure and its impact on the community.
