Safe bridges in Schierling: Investments for the future

Safe bridges in Schierling: Investments for the future

The safety of bridges is an issue that has come into greater focus in recent weeks, particularly after the dramatic collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden. In Markt Schierling, a municipality responsible for the maintenance of 51 bridges, this aspect is taken particularly seriously. These bridges not only cross the Große Laber, but also smaller streams as well as roads and railway lines. In order to ensure the safety of these structures, a so-called “bridge book” is kept, which serves as a central source of information for regular checks.

In the last ten years, the municipality of Schierling has invested more than 800,000 euros in the maintenance of its bridges. Additional expenses of over 300,000 euros are planned for the coming years. This shows how important the community is to the security of its infrastructure. However, road engineer Johann Haubner points out that not all bridges are the responsibility of the municipality. The large Laberbrücke in the town center, which was previously known as the “Johannes Bridge”, belongs to the Free State of Bavaria, which is also responsible for the town's transit.

Regular checks and maintenance

The bridges in Markt Schierling, even if they often appear small, are subject to strict inspections. A visual inspection is carried out annually in accordance with the DIN 1076 standard. A comprehensive main inspection is carried out by a qualified engineer every six years and a simplified inspection is carried out every three years. The municipality works closely with the Gubo engineering firm to ensure that all relevant data about the bridges, such as year of construction and dimensions, are recorded in the bridge book. After the tests, recommendations for necessary measures are made if necessary.

The bridge on Bachstrasse/Loiblstrasse is currently being renovated, which will cost around 308,500 euros. Another example of continuous monitoring is the hay bridge on Labertalstrasse, which failed the last main inspection. The renovation of this bridge is estimated to cost around 70,000 euros. Two major renovations are planned for the future: The bridge on Hohlweg will be repaired for 250,000 euros, and 50,000 euros are planned for the bridge between Unterlaichling and Kraxenhöfen.

Traffic congestion and safety

When testing the bridges, not only is the condition of the individual components assessed, but the traffic situation is also taken into account. Changes in traffic loads can lead to the need for replacement or even new construction. Mayor Christian Kiendl emphasizes that the safety of the bridges is the top priority. “We are very careful to ensure that no compromises are made on safety,” he explains. The municipality plans to continue to act proactively in the future to ensure the safety of the bridges in the long term.

The bridges in Markt Schierling are not only important for traffic, but also for pedestrians and cyclists. The municipality is committed to ensuring that this infrastructure remains safe and resilient to meet the needs of all citizens.

Photos: 01 – The bridge on Bachstrasse/Loiblstrasse was renewed for 308,500 euros. 02 – The bridges must be able to carry large loads, like the one at Obermühle. 03 – The bridges must also be kept safe for pedestrians and cyclists.

Pictures: Nadine Niebauer 01, Fritz Wallner 02/03