New Gertrauden Bridge for Heavy Vehicles Closed - New Gertrauden Bridge for Heavy Vehicles Closed
The New Gertrauden Bridge in central Berlin will close to vehicles over 3.5 tons from early 2026. The decision follows concerns about structural damage, including excessive flexing under heavy loads and fatigue cracks in welded seams. Authorities announced the restrictions on 19 December 2025, citing safety risks on the key route.
The bridge carries three major roads—Leipziger Straße, Gertraudenstraße, and Mühlendamm—over the Spree Canal near the partially demolished Mühlendamm Bridge. It also forms part of Federal Highway 1, a critical east-west link between Potsdamer Platz and Alexanderplatz. The closure is expected to worsen delays on this busy corridor.
Only emergency vehicles, passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and two-wheelers will be allowed to cross. Buses operated by BVG have already been rerouted, adding to traffic disruptions in the area. Specialised engineers and structural analysts will begin detailed inspections in early 2026. Their assessments will focus on the most vulnerable sections of the bridge. Remediation work is set to start immediately after the examinations.
The restrictions were imposed by the Berlin Senate Department for the Environment, Urban Mobility and Climate Protection. Heavy vehicles must now find alternative routes while repairs are carried out. The closure will remain in place until further notice.
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