Bridge demolished by controlled explosion in Germany

The Rahmede Valley bridge in Germany was successfully demolished by means of a controlled explosion on May 7.

The Rahmede Valley bridge was built between 1965 and 1968 and was located in Lüdenscheid, North Rhine-Westphalia. It stood 70 meters high and was 453 long, with a total weight of 17,000 tons.

Over recent years, safety concerns about the structure have arisen due to cracks and structural damage forming on it. The bridge had remained closed for the past 17 months prior to demolition, since December 2, 2021, due to safety reasons.

About 150 kilograms of explosives were used in the demolition of the bridge, while 50 containers were stacked next to it to prevent damage from debris on nearby structures.