Copenhagen seeks public view on Langebro’s future

Copenhagen is asking the public whether Langebro, a bridge in the city, should continue to be able to open for boat traffic, DR reports. The consultation comes ahead of a major renovation of the bridge.

The city is considering removing the opening mechanism because vessels now pass through so rarely. Langebro opens an average of twice a week, typically so the same boat can leave after entering.

If the bridge is kept operational, the renovation is expected to take three years and cost 400 million kroner. If it is no longer able to open, both the time and cost would be halved.

Henriette Hald Andersen, an area manager at the Climate, Environment and Technical Administration, said the decision would be difficult to reverse.

Without the opening function, vessels more than seven metres high would no longer be able to pass through. That would include work platforms, large houseboats and sailing vessels, she said.

The bridge’s machinery and electronics are ageing. Its counterweights, located beneath the bridge sections on both the Amager and Zealand sides, are corroded and will have to be replaced regardless of whether the bridge remains able to open.

The equipment used to open the bridge from its tower still works, but would also need to be replaced if the opening function is retained. The megaphone used to warn pedestrians and cyclists when the bridge is about to open would no longer be needed if the function is removed.

The public consultation is now open on the City of Copenhagen’s website. The administration hopes to receive responses from a broad range of people and organisations before city politicians decide whether Langebro should continue to open.