- The Traffic Flow on Hunte Bridge Resumes Soon
Approximately a month post the maritime mishap, the harmed Hunte Bridge in Elsfleth (located in the Wesermarsch district) is predicted to restart operations. Authorities have announced that trains will resume their journey between Bremen and Nordenham at 11:59 PM, as per a railway representative's statement. The resumption of this route is crucial for the ports situated on the Weser's left bank, which heavily rely on this connection.
Misjudged clearing height
On July 23, an inland vessel collided with the railway bridge. The control room took substantial damage, and both the framework and power lines were harmed. The ship's captain was accused of miscalculating the clearing height, and investigations continue against him for potentially jeopardizing both rail and ship traffic.
Train services through the bridge have been suspended ever since. The halt has resulted in considerable financial repercussions for the region. The port operators in Brake and Nordenham estimate the losses at several millions of euros, and fear job losses as goods can no longer be transported by rail. Rail commuters must resort to alternate modes of transport.
New bridge before 2030
This was the second collision this year that resulted in damage to the bridge. In the initial incident in February, the framework was so badly damaged that a makeshift bridge was erected temporarily. In that case too, the ship's captain was accused of misjudging the clearing height.
The temporary bridge, which also experienced damage, has been in function since end of April. If feasible, a new bridge for the temporary bridge is planned to be constructed before the year 2030.
As per the Lower Saxony Ministry of Economics, a team is currently drafting a list of measures to enhance safety at the Hunte Bridge. Apart from other improvements, water level markings are to be revamped to prevent future incidents.
Following the misjudged clearing height incident, the ship's captain now faces potential charges for potentially endangering both rail and ship traffic. Due to the accident, train services through the bridge have been suspended, leading to significant financial losses for the region and disruptions for rail commuters.
