Elsfleth located in the Wesermarsch region. - The Train Service on Hunte Bridge has been Restored
After approximately a month from the ship colliding with the Hunte Bridge at Elsfleth in the Wesermarsch district, trains can once again navigate this route. Following repairs to the bridge, the path connecting Berne and Elsfleth is now reestablished for both passenger and freight trains, as reported by a railway representative. "It was done quicker than anticipated," the spokesperson noted, originally, the anticipated reopening was scheduled for Saturday night. Presently, the entire path between Berne and Nordenham is operating normally once more, which holds significant importance for the Weser's left bank ports.
The significance of this route for the locals, economy, and ports is well-known to us, Ute Plambeck, the Lower Saxony and Bremen Deutsche Bahn representative, stated. The bridge was repaired in record time, taking roughly four weeks. Lower Saxony's Economics Minister, Olaf Lies (SPD), revealed that the cooperation from all involved, allowing the essential logistics hubs of Brake and Nordenham to resume operations, was instrumental in this achievement.
Miscalculation of clearance height
On July 23, a ship collided with the railway bridge, almost completely destroying its bridgehouse. The structure and overhead lines were also damaged. The ship's captain misjudged the clearance height, and they are now under investigation for endangering both rail and shipping traffic.
Since then, train traffic over the bridge was temporarily halted. The suspension had severe economic consequences for the region. Estimates from the Brake and Nordenham port operators indicate millions in damages and job losses due to the halt in rail transport. Passengers were forced to find alternative means of transportation.
Inaccessible Oldenburg Haven to sea-going ships
This was the second time this year a ship collided with the bridge, causing damage. In the first accident, in February, the structure was significantly damaged, necessitating the construction of a temporary bridge in late April. In both instances, the ship's captain misjudged the clearance height. The recently installed temporary bridge, however, is still inoperable to sea-going ships due to insufficient height. Only inland ships can pass beneath as long as the vessel is flat enough, and captains remain vigilant regarding river water levels.
Considering the height is insufficient for large ships to pass through, Oldenburg's seaport remains unreachable. In contrast, the ports of Brake and Nordenham have viable alternative routes.
Improving bridge safety and accelerating reconstruction
To prevent further incidents at the Hunte Bridge, a safety working group will be established to develop measures for enhancement. Improvements to water level signs are part of the plan. "Now, our objective is to collaborate on improving bridge safety and expediting the Hunte Bridge reconstruction to ensure the future accessibility of Oldenburg," said Minister of Economics Lies, as stated by the railway company. Initially, the construction of a new rotating bridge was scheduled for 2030, but this will now be accelerated if feasible.
The new bridge's clearance should be 1.93 meters higher than the existing bridge, as per the Waterways and Shipping Authority, as revealed by the railway company. Additionally, the navigation opening should be expanded to approximately 40 meters. According to the current blueprint, the new path would slightly deviate from the current railway track, preserving train traffic without disruptions during construction.
The ship accident on July 23 resulted in significant damages to the railway bridge, causing temporary train halt and economic consequences. To prevent future collisions, a safety working group will be established to enhance bridge safety and accelerate the bridge's reconstruction, aiming for a clearance height of 1.93 meters for large ships.
