It was only on Wednesday that a Notice to Mariners (BfS) stated that the Wolgast Peene Bridge would remain closed for the time being. This primarily affected sailing boats and other recreational craft, which could not pass under the structure whilst the bridge flap was closed. For these vessels, the passage between the northern and southern branches of the Peene was blocked. Road traffic, however, was still able to use the bridge. The closed bridge flap meant that motorists could travel freely between the mainland and the island of Usedom.
Fault rectified much more quickly
It was unclear when the fault would be rectified. The estimated time for the fault to be rectified The WSV initially set the date as Friday, 11 September 2026. According to information from the *Ostsee-Zeitung* A faulty timing belt is said to have caused the technical problems at the Peene Bridge in Wolgast. It has now transpired that the problems could have been resolved much more quickly. The Peene Bridge at Wolgast is reopening during its usual opening hours.
New Peenestrom Bridge, 42 metres high
The Wolgast Bridge over the Peene, which is around 30 years old, is used by both road and rail traffic. The movable section of the bridge opens at set times to allow taller vessels and pleasure craft to pass through. In the past, there have been repeated instances of maintenance work and restrictions on the bridge.
To ease the pressure on Wolgast, work is currently underway to A bypass has been built, including a new bridge across the Peenestrom. According to official figures, the bridge, which is approximately 1.4 kilometres long, is to have a clearance height of 42 metres. According to the current schedule, the entire bypass, which is approximately 6.8 kilometres long, is due to open at the end of 2029. Construction has therefore been delayed compared with previously announced plans.
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The building site may further hinder shipping traffic
Even whilst construction is underway, skippers should expect restrictions in the vicinity of the new bridge. According to the Baltic Sea Waterways and Shipping Authority, work vessels with limited manoeuvrability, floating equipment and other craft will be operating in the area.
The roadworks area is located to the east of buoy PN 58. When passing through, keep a safe distance, exercise extra caution and observe the local signals. To coordinate with the vehicles involved, the Latest announcement regarding the bridge construction site VHF channel 09 (‘Wolgast Traffic’). Alternatively, channel 16 may be used.
