© Marc Hoscheid
After Diekirch residents faced a month-long detour for pedestrians following the closure of the 'Ficelles' bridge in early April, a temporary pontoon bridge has just been installed.
The bridge, which spans the Sûre River behind the town hall and leads to the Sauerwiss neighbourhood, was shut down due to safety concerns. Inspectors discovered significant corrosion of the bridge's steel cables, posing a potential risk of breakage.
The closure necessitated a detour for pedestrians, prompting the municipal authorities to urge the Bridges and Roads Authority for a swift solution, particularly considering the frequent use of the bridge by students accessing the Merten campus.
On Thursday, a temporary pontoon bridge was finally installed adjacent to the closed bridge.
While the Bridges and Roads Authority maintains that the pontoon bridge will remain operational until the completion of repair works, the Diekirch municipal executive board (Schäfferot) advocates for the construction of a more permanent alternative footbridge.
The timeline for the bridge's closure remains unclear. The Bridges and Roads Authority previously indicated that bridge repairs will not start until next year, with an estimated duration of approximately one year. The project will encompass not only cable replacement but also a comprehensive restoration of the bridge structure.
In summer 2023, a stabilisation structure was installed near the town hall side of the bank at a cost of €60,000. The total cost of the bridge restoration project is yet to be disclosed by the Bridges and Roads Authority.
