Spectacular Bridge Blowing Up on the A7 in Eastern Hesse - A7 motorway shuts after Thalaubach Bridge's explosive demolition
A major section of the A7 motorway has been shut down after two old parts of the Thalaubach Valley Bridge were demolished in a controlled explosion. The closure affects both directions between the Fulda interchange in Hesse and the Bad BrĂźckenau-Volkers junction in Bavaria. Authorities confirmed the blast went smoothly, leaving the debris within the planned area.
The original bridge, constructed in 1968, was designed with two lanes in each direction. Over time, it struggled to cope with rising traffic levels, prompting the need for replacement. A first new section was finished last August, allowing traffic to flow in both directions on this temporary route.
The demolition marks a key step in the wider âŹ115 million project. The second new section, meant for the future WĂźrzburg-bound carriageway, is set to open by late 2027. However, further adjustments to the road layout will continue until 2030. Drivers are facing delays as the motorway remains fully closed until around 4:00 PM today. The controlled explosion was carefully executed, ensuring the old structure collapsed as intended without affecting surrounding areas.
The demolition clears the way for modern infrastructure to replace the aging 1960s bridge. While the A7 reopens later today, long-term work will stretch into the next decade. The project aims to improve capacity and safety on this busy stretch of motorway.
