After days of disruption, the Wuhlheide Bridge in Berlin-Oberschöneweide is set to reopen for tram traffic, offering a much-needed reprieve for commuters and emergency services alike. The bridge, which had been deemed at risk of collapse, underwent urgent demolition and repair works, leading to its complete closure. Traffic Senator Ute Bonde (CDU) announced that the section of the bridge already demolished would be reopened for tram traffic by tomorrow, marking a significant step towards normalizing the city's transport network.
The reopening process will commence with test runs during the night, followed by a shuttle service, with the aim of restoring regular tram operations by Saturday. Emergency services, including police, fire brigades, and ambulances, will also regain access to the area, at least in the direction of Treskowallee/Edisonstraße, starting tomorrow at 9:00 AM. This development is expected to alleviate the traffic congestion that has plagued the detour routes used by these essential services.
The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) has expressed cautious optimism, stating that every effort is being made to resume tram services at the earliest possible opportunity. The tram connection between Schöneweide and Blockdammweg will be promptly restored once the route is cleared, initially likely operating as a shuttle service. The BVG anticipates that, barring any unforeseen issues, the tram lines in the affected area will return to their regular schedules by the weekend.
Following the demolition works, the next steps involve inspecting the tracks that were covered for protection, reinstalling the overhead lines that were taken down, and setting up the power supply. These measures are crucial to ensuring the safety and reliability of the tram service as it resumes operations. The swift action by all parties involved highlights the importance of the Wuhlheide Bridge to Berlin's transport infrastructure and the collective effort to minimize disruption to the city's residents and services.
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