Demolition of the Olef Bridge in Gemünd: structural engineer sounds the alarm!

Demolition of the Olef Bridge in Gemünd: structural engineer sounds the alarm!

The situation around the Olef Bridge in Gemünd remains tense. A structural engineer has now officially recommended that the bridge on Dreiborner Strasse be demolished within the next five years. This reports ksta.de. Mayor Ingo Pfennings had hoped for a renovation until the end, but unfortunately the reality is different. The bridge, which was already severely affected by the devastating flood disaster of 2021, has suffered badly not only from natural forces, but also from damage from impacts and inadequate sealing.

The Olef Bridge was actually closed for three months in August 2024 in order to carry out urgently needed renovation work. The city had budgeted around 450,000 euros for the planned work, which included replacing the waterproofing and sidewalks as well as a new asphalt surface for the road. But when the road surface was milled away in October, it became clear: something was wrong here. The bridge no longer corresponded to the static calculation bases and the load capacity had already increased to 130 percent of the permissible load, which represented an acute danger. Loud wochenspiegellive.de A complete renovation could even worsen the situation.

The path to the new building

The situation is not only confusing, but also urgent. The structural engineer now recommended limiting the bridge to a load of 16 tons for the time being and carrying out special annual tests with a new focus on crack formation. Instead of a complete renovation, the bridge could initially only be opened to pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles. The city is already considering how such use can be implemented as quickly as possible.

Those responsible are facing a lengthy process, and Mayor Pfennings is dissatisfied with the slow progress of the recalculations. Nevertheless, the new construction of the bridge should be officially registered in the next amendment to the reconstruction plan. If the Cologne district government refuses to cover the costs, the city will be forced to obtain offers from construction companies. A comprehensive analysis of the damage on bridges due to flooding in North Rhine-Westphalia underlines the urgency of the issue and shows the challenges that the authorities could face.

Given the shortage of skilled workers and the long maintenance intervals, implementing urgently needed structural measures is becoming a challenge. However, the city administration can rely on everyone involved to work together to find a quick solution. There is great pressure on authorities to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists while restoring transport infrastructure. The next steps are crucial for the future of the Olef Bridge.