Bridge at Wuhlheide: Likely Resumption of Tram Service Commencing Tomorrow - Trams likely to resume service the following day.
Berglin, Germany - Starting tomorrow, emergency services, tram traffic, and pedestrian and cyclist mobility may resume under the structurally compromised Wuhlheide Bridge in Berlin-Oberschöneweide. Following the demolition work, authorities have planned and partially implemented measures to restore access and mobility while ensuring safety.
After extensive inspections revealed increasing cracks, the bridge has been closed to traffic since late April. The 245-meter-long structure, which affects trams, cyclists, and pedestrians, was completely closed last Monday. Demolition work began on Saturday, with six of the nine planned demolition sections already completed as of late May, ahead of schedule.
In the interim, trams have been operating in isolation, detached from the main network beyond the bridge on the Köpenicker side. The shutdown has caused significant disruption to both road and rail traffic, with several tram lines still disrupted due to the closure.
However, starting tomorrow, a temporary shuttle service for trams is scheduled to begin, followed by the resumption of regular service over the weekend, assuming successful test runs and completion of critical demolition phases. The Berlin transport company aims to coordinate this with planned adjustments to affected tram lines, such as extending line 67 for better connections with suburban trains.
Emergency services, including police, fire brigade, and ambulances, are now permitted to use the recently cleared sections of the route through the construction area, with access prioritized as soon as safe passage was reestablished. A crisis management team, composed of police, fire brigade, BVG, and traffic management, was established to help minimize disruption to emergency services.
While pedestrian, bicycle, and tram access may be restored as early as next week, car traffic will likely not reopen until after June 6, depending on construction progress and weather conditions. The entire demolition site is expected to be cleared by June 27.
Authorities will continue to closely monitor the demolition and construction process, making adjustments as needed to ensure safety and restore mobility in the area.
- In light of the planned temporary tram service and resumed emergency access, discussions are underway to address potential employment policy adjustments within the transportation industry, considering the unforeseen disruptions and the need for flexible staffing solutions.
- As the Wuhlheide Bridge demolition progresses, community policy-makers are analyzing implications for local businesses and employment across various sectors, such as finance and transportation, to develop recovery strategies and post-demolition economic plans.
