Dresden's Carolabrücke to Be Dismantled Following Structural Collapse and Bomb Clearance

The deteriorating bridge, partially collapsed in 2024, faces urgent removal as bomb disposal and safety measures progress.

The Carolabrücke in Dresden, partially collapsed in September 2024, is set for dismantling due to severe structural instability, with only 14 additional wire breaks needed for further collapse.
Ongoing bomb disposal efforts have uncovered remnants of World War II ordnance, delaying demolition; 79 alerts have been investigated, with only one old hand grenade posing a threat.
Plans involve removing the remaining bridge sections by 'ausschwimmen'—floating the 1,500-ton segments on pontons to the Neustädter Elbufer for disassembly.
Specialized safety measures, including reinforced machinery and firework-trained operators, are in place for excavation and clearance to prevent further risks.
The dismantling process, modeled after the Waldschlößchenbrücke construction, aims to complete the removal of the bridge's middle sections by summer 2025.