Experts Recommend Replacing Elbe Ferries with Bridges for Economic Efficiency

According to the Saxony-Anhalt Ministry of Transport, expert analysis indicates that constructing three new bridges across the Elbe River is more economical than maintaining current ferry services. Lydia Hüskens, the Minister for Infrastructure and Digital, announced that these findings will lead to the inclusion of bridges in the Altmark region, between Tangermünde and Magdeburg, and in the Wittenberg district within the 2040 state road construction plan. The decision is driven by the unreliability of ferries, which are frequently disrupted by fluctuating water levels, causing significant delays for residents and drivers. Initial studies suggest that the Sandau, Pretzsch, and Ferchland-Grieben ferry routes are prime candidates for replacement. Each bridge project is estimated to cost between 50 and 55 million euros. However, officials caution that the process will be lengthy, with an expected timeline of approximately 20 years from the initial planning phases to final completion. This infrastructure shift aims to improve transport reliability and economic efficiency in the region, addressing long-standing logistical challenges associated with river crossings in Saxony-Anhalt.