The Hainstraße footbridge is being demolished
Pedestrians are guided across Dresdner Platz by appropriate signage. An accessible route is available via Sonnenstraße – Martinstraße or Sonnenstraße – Dresdner Platz – Waisenstraße.
Unfortunately, due to the structural condition of the bridge, its demolition is unavoidable. The structure is in a poor state of repair. Owing to its age and construction method – comparable to that of the collapsed Carolabrücke in Dresden – renovation is not an option. The prestressing steel used, manufactured in Hennigsdorf, is considered to be at risk of stress cracking.
The box girder structure above the tracks is inaccessible, meaning it is not possible to inspect and assess its current condition properly. Even with extensive refurbishment, the risk of sudden structural failure endangering rail operations and all users could not have been entirely ruled out.
The access routes from Jägerstraße to the bridge will also be removed. These areas will be restored to their natural state.
The estimated cost of demolition is around 480,000 euros. A replacement structure cannot currently be included in the city’s budget.
Background on demolition technology
Before the superstructure can be demolished, it must be exposed on the Jakobstraße side. The superstructure will then be demolished in stages by dividing it into individual segments, which will be lifted out using a crane.
Subsequently, the abutment – including the bearing platform – and the circular pier on the Jägerstraße side will be completely demolished. Due to the steel-cased sewer pipe located beneath the foundation and the adjacent utilities, the oval pier will be demolished to a depth of 50 centimetres below ground level. The DB AG noise barrier will be protected against damage and soiling during this process.
Earthworks will be carried out for the demolition to create the excavation pits in the abutment and pier areas.
Following the demolition of the superstructure, the bearing bench including its facing, and the retaining wall parapet on the Jakobstraße side, the resulting gap in the retaining wall will be closed. The gap will be closed in the same way as the existing structure, using a facing of natural stone. The walled-up section will be fitted with reinforced concrete cover slabs, to which a double-wire mesh fence will again be attached as fall protection.