Conflict Regarding Marienbrücke: Remaining Car Tracks Signify Unresolved Issue
The Dresden Marienbrücke, the city's most significant Elbe crossing, has become the focal point for road traffic since the collapse of the Carolabridge on August 18, 2025. With the Carolabridge still under repair, all road traffic has been redirected to cross the Marienbrücke bridge.
Currently, the bridge is managing an increased traffic load, including vehicles and pedestrians, serving as the sole crossing point for road traffic in the affected area. To cope with the influx, traffic management includes designated detour routes for freight traffic and buses to avoid narrow surrounding roads, with police enforcing adherence to these routes. For passenger cars, shorter alternative routes are available nearby to reduce congestion on the bridge.
The mayor, Hilbert, has decided to maintain the current traffic setup on the bridge. However, the mayor remains uncertain about how traffic flow, especially on and around the Marienbrücke, will change when Terrassenufer is finally available again as an important east-west axis in September 2025. The mayor is seeking solutions for traffic management that do not have negative consequences for any one mode of transport.
The mayor has rejected the proposal to mark off the track area for trams on the bridge, citing concerns about potential congestion in the city. No new lane configurations or traffic management changes have been decided for the Dresden Marienbrücke as of the current date.
The situation on the Dresden Marienbrücke will need to be reassessed when Terrassenufer reopens. The city council recommended maintaining the current traffic management on the bridge at its meeting on June 19, 2025. The future plans for traffic management on the Marienbrücke are integrated with municipal flood and urban infrastructure audits aimed at maintaining resilience and traffic safety, though detailed future measures specific to Marienbrücke are pending or governed by broader city infrastructure programs.
The loss of the Carolabridge affects all road users in Dresden. One lane on the left leads onto the 26er Ring, and one on the right heads towards Terrassenufer. The collapse of the Carolabridge has increased traffic on the Dresden Marienbrücke by 30%. Despite the challenges, the bridge remains with two lanes for cars.
[1] Dresden City Council Meeting Minutes, June 19, 2025. [2] Dresden City Infrastructure Resilience and Environmental Integration Audits, July 2025.
- To minimize congestion on the Dresden Marienbrücke, passenger car alternative routes have been made available, while freight traffic and buses are directed through designated detours due to the narrow surrounding roads.
- The improvement of traffic flow in Dresden involves not only maintaining the current traffic setup on the Marienbrücke but also considering the impact of future infrastructure projects, such as Terrassenufer, on transportation, finance (in terms of infrastructure investment), and the city's overall industry.
