Before the expected flooding, important demolition work on the partially collapsed Carola Bridge over the Elbe in Dresden was completed. This was confirmed by fire department spokesman Michael Klahre. This affects the part of the bridge on the bank of the Neustadt. This means that the work was completed faster than initially planned. The original goal was Sunday evening. However, part of the bridge is still in the Elbe.
The clearing of the Elbe river bank has been completed, Klahre told the German Press Agency. The machines were to be driven out of the river bank area in the evening.
The emergency services had been working hard to clear the bank because of the impending flood risk. Parts of the bridge were broken up and transported away by truck. Two German army recovery vehicles were also on site to provide support. She posted a video on the X platform showing a tank pushing rubble aside.
According to the State Flood Center, the water level on the Elbe in Dresden is expected to reach four meters on Sunday morning. Then work on the bank would no longer have been possible. The area is important during the upcoming flood because the current has to shift through the part lying in the water, as the head of the Dresden Environmental Office, René Herold, explained.
The part of the bridge that collapsed into the Elbe on Wednesday will remain in place for the time being. According to current estimates, it will not have a major impact on the water level. According to the head of the Roads and Civil Engineering Office, Simone Prüfer, it can only be removed once the flood has subsided. A concept for the demolition is being worked on.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240914-930-232221/6
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