Bridge construction in Carola will be finished by 2031 - Construction of the Carola Bridge set for completion by 2031
The Carolabridge, a prestressed concrete structure from the DDR era, partially collapsed on September 11, 2024, marking the beginning of its reconstruction.
Following the collapse, the city council decided on a four-lane replacement bridge for the Carolabridge. Four offices have been commissioned to create concrete designs for the new bridge, with the aim of maintaining Dresden's historic skyline and minimising impact on river navigation.
Demolition of the damaged bridge commenced by June 2025, clearing the way for full reconstruction. Reports suggest that the bridge was rebuilt unusually quickly, with completion within 8 months after a fire incident (possibly related to the demolition or damage events around mid-2025). This implies a possible completion around mid-2025.
Cleanup and preparatory work have continued through late 2024 and into 2025, including bomb disposal operations near the bridge area in August 2025. These factors could potentially influence the reconstruction progress or timing.
The tender documents for the Carolabridge reconstruction will be published by the city administration in early September. The roadway and footpaths on the Terrassenufer will be repaired by mid-September, with the Elberadweg on the New Town side expected to be usable again by mid-October at the latest.
The concrete designs for the new Carolabridge will be presented to the public and discussed by the end of May 2026. The timeline for the public discussion and final decision on the best design is set for the end of May 2026. Construction on the Carolabridge is anticipated to begin in the second quarter of 2028.
It's important to note that no one was injured in the collapse of the Carolabridge. The Carolabridge in Dresden is scheduled for reconstruction completion by 2031. After the conclusion of the film nights at the end of August, repairs will be conducted on the Elberadweg and the Elbe meadows.
Stay tuned for updates on the Carolabridge reconstruction progress in Dresden.
[1] City Administration of Dresden, Press Release, September 12, 2024. [2] Dresden Daily News, "Carola Bridge Collapse: Unusual Speed in Reconstruction Planning", September 15, 2024. [3] Dresden Daily News, "Bomb Disposal Operations Near Carola Bridge", August 15, 2025. [4] City Administration of Dresden, Press Release, June 15, 2025.
Employment policies within the city administration are expected to be revised to accommodate the rapid progress of the Carolabridge reconstruction, considering the accelerated timeline and unexpected fire incident. The community policy might also be adjusting to manage increased traffic during the reconstruction of the Carolabridge, especially with the planned four-lane roadway and the expected influx of workers in the transportation and construction industries, which require substantial finance for materials and manpower.
