Bridge shut after major structural damage found

Extensive damage to both the concrete and steel structure has forced the emergency closure of the Händelö Bridge in Norrköping. A full reopening is expected to take several months.

The Händelö Bridge in Norrköping has been closed to road and rail traffic after extensive structural damage was discovered during an inspection on Tuesday morning. But pedestrians and cyclists can continue to use the it as normal.

– We have extensive damage in vital parts of the bridge, in both the concrete and the steel structure. We are now working as quickly as possible to determine what measures need to be taken, says Olof Carlsson, operations manager for maintenance at the urban development office.

The aim is to secure the bridge in its closed position, which could allow road and rail traffic to resume within a few weeks. A full reopening, however, is expected to take considerably longer.

– When it comes to the bridge being able to open again, that will unfortunately take several months, says Olof Carlsson.

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