- Closure of the hall at Bad Kösen temporarily lifted
Controversial full closure of the Saale at Bad Kösen to be temporarily lifted during peak tourist season, according to the State Administration Office. The office announced that the full closure of the Saale will initially be lifted from the afternoon of August 16 to the evening of August 18. A continuous opening is then planned from August 23 to October 20, 2024. Afterwards, the Saale will be closed outside the season to continue necessary repair works. A reopening is planned for spring 2025.
The Deutsche Bahn had requested the suspension of the Saale closure on Monday following consultations with all affected parties. "I am grateful to all involved for the very constructive cooperation and to the water police for their swift statement. This allowed us to issue the corresponding order for the temporary lifting of the closure today," said the President of the State Administration Office, Thomas Pleye.
Safety adjustments on the Saale
During the suspension of the full closure, the responsible construction companies will continue work on the bridges - with technical adjustments and adaptations. For example, necessary equipment such as the to-be-used floating platforms will be secured downstream on the bank to ensure unrestricted safe navigation on the Saale.
The Deutsche Bahn aims to renovate three bridges over the river in the Bad Kösen area by the end of May 2025. Originally, a full closure of the river for about 10.5 kilometers was approved for this - there was resistance from the tourism sector and demands for alternative solutions.
The Commission shall oversee the safety adjustments on the Saale during the temporary lifting of the full closure. After completing the necessary equipment securing and technical adjustments on the bridges, the Commission shall ensure a safe navigation on the Saale.
