Ottfingen Bridge on A45 in Sauerland Demolished in Second Attempt

The Ottfingen bridge on Germany's A45 highway in the Sauerland region was successfully demolished in a second attempt on Sunday, July 19. The initial demolition failed to bring down the entire structure, causing delays to the planned reopening of the highway.

During the first attempt, part of the bridge remained standing despite the detonation of explosives. In the subsequent second attempt, the remaining concrete pillars collapsed as intended. The partial failure of the first attempt meant the A45 remained closed longer than anticipated, with traffic not resuming as scheduled for Sunday midday.

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The stability of the adjacent bridge structure, which was not affected by the demolition, must first be checked as a routine measure.

Officials are investigating the cause of the initial failure. A spokesperson for the federal highway company stated that the stability of the adjacent, unaffected bridge structure must first be checked as a routine measure. The reason for the incomplete demolition in the first try is still unknown and will be examined.

The demolition of the Ottfingen bridge, built in 1971, is part of a broader plan to renew around 60 major bridges along the Sauerland line, which runs from Dortmund to Frankfurt. Increased traffic loads and heavier trucks have severely impacted these structures, necessitating their replacement. The cleared site will now be used for the construction of a new bridge.

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The cause for the incomplete demolition in the first attempt is not yet known. This must now be examined.