Cracks have been found in the steel structure of the Moselle Bridge on the A8 motorway at the Perl–Schengen border crossing, German authorities reported on Tuesday.

The bridge is currently undergoing inspections, and initial findings are concerning. According to the expertise of Autobahn GmbH, urgent measures have to be implemented right away to reduce the load on the structure.

Effective immediately, new restrictions apply to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Buses and lorries are banned from overtaking and must maintain a minimum distance of 50 metres from the vehicle in front, even in traffic jams.

These measures come on top of existing border checks on the German side and could lead to significant traffic disruptions. To ease the pressure, a complete ban has been imposed on heavy goods vehicles weighing more than 44 tonnes.

It remains unclear how long the restrictions will remain in place. Passenger vehicles are currently unaffected.

The Moselle Bridge, which was completed in 2002, is now under close examination as authorities work to determine the cause of the structural damage.