According to the responsible road construction authority, the road surface on the almost 100-year-old bridge over the Peene river urgently needs to be renewed. The bridge will therefore be closed to road traffic for most of this period. For shipping, the work means that the winter opening times (three times a day), which were originally scheduled to begin on 1 October, will be limited to once a day for 15 minutes at a time.
Signalling the intention to drive through
The clearance height is five metres when the bridge is closed and the water level is average. The bridge is open to shipping for a maximum of 15 minutes. Recreational craft must indicate their intention to pass at least ten minutes before the bridge opens by remaining close to the control centre or near the corresponding waiting dolphins. The opening signal (two long tones "▬ ▬") can also be used to indicate the intention to pass the bridge.
In addition to the Peene Bridge in Wolgast, the Zecherin Bridge near Anklam is another link between the mainland and the island of Usedom. It crosses the Peene River. While the bridge opens five times a day in the summer season, it normally opens three times a day in the winter season from 1 October to 31 March, at 8.45 am, 12.45 pm and 4.45 pm (the latter only as an on-demand opening after prior registration by 3 pm the day before by calling 038372/70 838 or 0175/577 3609).
Further bridge opening times can be found here:
According to the Waterways and Shipping Administration, the restriction may extend into the 42nd calendar week due to weather conditions and procedures. Information on this can be obtained by calling 0175/5773609. The bridge is due to be renewed in 2033 and initial planning is already underway.
Jill Grigoleit
Editor Travel
