The bridge has been closed since early December 2021. This has created a significant burden for motorists and residents in the region.
(Photo: dpa)
Luedenscheid The dilapidated Rahmede viaduct on the A45 in North Rhine-Westphalia was blown up in a controlled manner in Lüdenscheid on Sunday afternoon. The 17,000 tonne and up to 70 meter high structure on the autobahn, which is important throughout Germany, fell down onto a huge fall bed.
According to the Autobahn GmbH, the blasting area in Lüdenscheid in North Rhine-Westphalia was previously cordoned off in a radius of around 300 meters. Around 110 barrier posts were set up. About 150 kilograms of explosives were attached to the bridge piers in 2035 boreholes.
The bridge has been completely closed since December 2, 2021, and the important north-south axis (Frankfurt – Dortmund) has been interrupted. The consequences are serious. Above all, Lüdenscheid and the entire region suffer from traffic jam chaos, noise and exhaust emissions, slow delivery traffic, emigration of skilled workers and loss of sales. According to the Federal Ministry of Transport, top priority is given to rebuilding the bridge as quickly as possible.
Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) and Oliver Krischer (Greens) wanted to follow the blasting demolition on site.
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