25.02.24

Damage to the Elsfleth-Orth railroad bridge and its impact on the seaport of Brake

Update information [23th April 2024]:
After numerous preparatory works on the damaged railway bridge, the temporary bridge is currently being lifted into place. The tracks and overhead line systems, including the control and safety technology, are then being installed. 

Railway law approvals are being processed in parallel. The resumption of rail traffic is planned for Saturday evening/Sunday morning (27/28 April 2024). DB InfraGO will inform the railway companies in good time. The term "temporary bridge" merely indicates that it is a rigid bridge that cannot be rotated or folded. Once rail traffic is resumed, the bridge can be used by trains without restriction, as it was before the damage. 

Thanks to the commitment of all those involved in the project and the support of politicians and businesses, this milestone was reached in a very short space of time. We are currently organising the restart of our rail-related terminal processes internally to ensure a smooth transition from temporary to regular operations. Extensive measures are being implemented to protect the temporary bridge, which are more extensive than before the damage.

With regard to the construction of the new bridge, a task force was set up under the leadership of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Economics. The first rounds of talks have already taken place. Here, too, all those involved have the goal of realising the construction of the new bridge much earlier than originally planned.