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From November 4th, all Bremen residents who have to cross the Weser will have to be prepared for crowded trams and constant traffic jams on the Stephani and Wilhelm Kaisen bridges. And not for weeks, but for months. It has been known since the beginning of the year that the Mayor Smidt Bridge would be completely closed sooner or later. Now Senator Özlem Ünsal’s (SPD) construction and transport department has provided information on the specific dimensions. The bridge will be closed to all road users for four to five months – until February or March.
Why is the blocking necessary?
At the end of 2023, structural engineers determined that the condition of the bridge was significantly worse than expected. At the Brill, only two of 16 tension anchors are in good condition. The remaining anchors show cracks and rust, some of which can be seen with the naked eye even by laypeople. “This type of construction was a cost-saving construction after the Second World War because steel was very expensive,” explained Rick Graue, head of the Office for Roads and Transport (ASV). By installing additional weights at the beginning of the year, it was possible to temporarily secure stability.
However, it was clear to everyone involved that they had only bought themselves some time. “We have been intensively planning for further renovation work since the turn of the year,” said Graue. The engineers are happy to have now found a feasible solution. “Now we have to start as quickly as possible. We cannot wait any longer,” continued the ASV manager. After the emergency renovation, which cost 2.23 million euros, there will be ten to twelve years to develop a permanent solution with a replacement building.
What effects can be expected?
According to the authorities, around 15,000 cars drive over the bridge every day. From November to February, they have to use the Wilhelm Kaisen or Stephani Bridges. The latter is already experiencing frequent traffic jams during rush hour. “The necessary full closure is certainly a major challenge for all road users,” said Ralph Baumheier, State Councilor for Senator Ünsal. “But unfortunately it is absolutely necessary.”
According to the ASV, residents can still drive from Neustadt to Weserburg during the preparatory work. Later, Teerhof will only be accessible via the Wilhelm Kaisen Bridge. Pedestrians may be able to use the bridge during certain construction phases. “We are currently assuming, however, that the closure will apply to everyone,” emphasized Baumheier. The authority will provide ongoing information on bruecken.bremen.de.
What reactions are there from the city center?
“After a very transparent exchange with those responsible, we can say: The city center remains easily accessible,” emphasized Carolin Reuther, managing director of the City Initiative, in a statement. It is absolutely right that Senator Ünsal’s construction department is quickly getting started on the bridge renovation. Reuther criticized the work of the previous senators: “The issue was delayed for far too long in the previous Senate, so the challenges have now certainly become greater.”
Eduard Dubbers-Albrecht, President of the Chamber of Commerce, called for the city center to be helped with good accompanying concepts. “And for two things: to maintain the flow of traffic and for transparent and positive city marketing,” said the President, according to the statement. The flow of traffic on the remaining main routes must be optimized. “This applies to traffic light systems, but also plans for the use of inner-city shuttles and area options for taxis,” said Dubbers-Albrecht.
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