Protestors Vocalize Opposition to Carola Bridge Expansion as a Broad "Automobile-Centric Infrastructure"

Crowds Rally Against Broadened Carol Bridge Redesign, Demanding Pedestrian-Friendly Alternative

Protestors Vocalize Opposition to Carola Bridge Expansion as a Broad "Automobile-Centric Infrastructure"

In a heated protest, hundreds gathered near the Dresden Carol Bridge yesterday, objecting to the proposed broader reconstruction of the new structure.

By Chris Pechmann

Dresden - A passionate crowd took to the streets of Dresden Terrassenufer last evening, expressing their opposition to the Carol Bridge being rebuilt as a vast "motorway"!

In the Shadows

• People demonstrate in Dresden against the expansive Carol Bridge
• Demonstrators advocate for a sleek bridge with bike lanes and an accessible connection
• A broader bridge would cost an additional 30 million euros
• Car traffic in Dresden has plummeted by 10% since 2013
• City council makes its decision on the Carol Bridge rebuild on June 19

Recap

• youth councils of TU Dresden, Fridays For Future Dresden, and Pirates, Greens, and Left rally for the demonstration under the slogan "New Hope for Carol Bridge - Space for People Instead of Expensive Motorway"
• Robert Mühlberg, member of the student council of TU Dresden, demands a narrow, two-lane bridge with spacious, well-separated bike paths and a seamless, barrier-free connection to the Elbe cycle path, stating, "The bridge should not remain a traffic lane, but instead integrate into a people-friendly and eco-conscious urban landscape."
• A more extensive bridge would amount to substantially higher costs, as calculated by TU bridge expert Professor Steffen Marx, who estimated that the excess costs for a four-lane construction instead of a two-lane one would be around 30 million euros, a sum the city might find useful in its strained budget.

The Mystery Deepens

Data from TU Dresden also reveal a significant reduction in vehicular traffic in the city. Whereas 39% of the routes were vehicle-dominated in 2013, this figure dropped to only 29% in 2023.

Controversy Within City Council Continues

The choice of lane configurations for the new Carol Bridge has sparked debate within the city council for weeks. While Mayor Dirk Hilbert (53, FDP) and Building Mayor Stephan Kühn (45, Greens) back a "demand-responsive" Elbe crossing based on traffic forecasts, opposing parties, including the CDU, Team Zastrow, and the far-right AfD, insist on four lanes.

The demonstration's stated purpose, according to the police, is the forthcoming preliminary vote on the Carol Bridge rebuild. The building committee will decide on the lane question on Thursday, marking the first decisive step in this ongoing conflict. The final decision ultimately rests with the city council on June 19.

Photo Credit: Photo montage: xcitepress

More on the Matter Carol Bridge Dresden:

• Carol Bridge Rebuild: Dispute over Lanes Divides the City
• Carol Bridge: Temporarily Closed - Elbe Divided Following Renovations
• Carol Bridge Renewal: Economy Demands Four Car Lanes

Further Insights:

The rebuilding of the Carol Bridge, which partially collapsed nine months ago, is slated for completion by the end of the year. The demolition process involves cautiously weakening the current structure to safely pull it down into the River Elbe, minimizing damage to the river bed by using gravel piles for support[1]. In planning discussions, the width of the bridge and the inclusion of dedicated bike lanes have become key concerns. Community members and stakeholders often have an opportunity to share their opinions during public consultations, helping city officials devise solutions that cater to the needs of the community. The redesign process may incorporate factors such as traffic loads, pedestrian safety, and environmental impact.

• The heated protest in Dresden's Terrassenufer calls for a pedestrian-friendly alternative to the broadened redesign of the Carol Bridge, demanding a sleek structure with bike lanes.
• Finance and policy-and-legislation come into play as the city council prepares to decide on the lane configuration of the new Carol Bridge on June 19, with costs and budget implications at stake.
• In the middle of the controversy, politics and general news interest are piqued by the ongoing debate, with the city council divided between those advocating for four lanes and those supporting a two-lane, more economical and eco-conscious design.
• The automotive industry, transportation, and urban development may also be affected by the outcome of the preliminary vote on the Carol Bridge rebuild, as the decision could shape the future of city infrastructure and mobility.

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