Idio bridge in Cologne: Refurbishment ensures traffic chaos in August!

Idio bridge in Cologne: Refurbishment ensures traffic chaos in August!

A compact step into the future of the Cologne infrastructure: the legendary * idiot bridge * on the inner channel road, which has been responsible for many accidents with trucks over the years due to its low passing height of 3.9 meters. This measure is intended to raise the passage height to an impressive 4.50 meters in order to make it easier for freight transport. Reports from Rundschau online has the bridge, which has repeatedly led to problems since it was built in 1915 Renamation made urgently necessary.

Despite all the warnings and technical helpers like Navi apps, numerous trucks remained under the bridge, which not only bothered the road, but also the flow of traffic. It is estimated that over 100 trucks stuck on this bridge over the years, which made them a hot topic in the Cologne regional news several times. The new structural solution stipulates that only the centerpiece of the bridge is renewed, while the load -bearing base remain on the left and right. This creates a balance between the maintenance of the historical substance and the modern necessity.

closure and diversions

The construction work requires an extensive blocking of the inner channel road, which will take place from August 8th to August 18th. Specific blocking times are planned, from August 8, 10 p.m. to 11 August, 5 a.m., as well as the followers at the same times. During these closures, foot and bicycle traffic is diverted locally, which can lead to noticeable impairments by September. In addition to this larger construction project, the city of Kölle also plans to use the closures to renovate the lanes.

A look at the bridge situation in Germany

The idiot bridge is not just a local problem, but part of a larger topic that affects many bridges in Germany. According to information from Tagesschau Numerous Autobahnbrücken are considered to be in need of renovation. Especially in North Rhine-Westphalia, where there is about every fifth of the bridges that are most in need of renovation, there is a need for action.

In Germany there are around 40,000 motorway and federal road bridges, and many of them are now in a state that affects traffic safety. Transport Minister Volker Wissing plans to renovate 400 bridges annually, with the modernization of 4,000 bridges being considered the highest priority. These measures are not only important for the smooth flow of traffic, but also for the safety of all road users.

The development of the idiot bridge shows that Cologne is on the right track to keep up with the growing traffic load and at the same time preserve historical construction structures. Let us be surprised how the construction work will affect traffic and quality of life in the city.