Sauerland railway bridge can be repaired after installation accident

Experts have determined that a 330-ton steel railway bridge in the Sauerland region can be repaired following an accident during its installation in early September. The massive component sagged and was damaged near Kirchhundem on the Ruhr-Sieg line, an essential route for passenger and freight traffic between the Ruhr area, Sauerland, and Siegerland.

After four weeks of measurements and technical examinations, a railway spokesperson confirmed the steel structure can be repaired and subsequently installed as planned. While a specific repair schedule has not yet been released, authorities are working to fully reopen the affected section between Siegen and Hagen by mid-December.

Until then, travelers must use replacement buses for parts of the journey. The section between Iserlohn-Letmathe and Welschen Ennest is expected to remain completely closed until at least October 30. No injuries were reported during the initial accident, and the exact cause of the structural failure remains unclear.