Thalkirchner Brücke closure not expected to slow fire and ambulance response, city says

Munich's district administration department says the planned closure of the Thalkirchner Brücke to vehicles during its renovation is not expected to lengthen journey times for the fire service and ambulances. Dr Hanna Sammüller, head of the department, gave the assessment in reply to an inquiry submitted on 4 August 2026 by CSU councillors Andreas Babor, Sabine Bär, Nihat Demir, Jens Luther, Dr Evelyne Menges and Veronika Mirlach.

The councillors noted that, under current plans, the bridge over the Isar will be closed to vehicle traffic during the works, and that the city is again examining whether a temporary crossing for pedestrians and cyclists can be provided throughout construction. They asked how the closure would affect emergency services reaching areas east of the river. According to the reply, the Thalkirchner Brücke is, alongside the Brudermühlbrücke, the only bridge in the south of Munich suitable for emergency vehicles crossing the Isar.

The bridge is already restricted. Fire engines of up to 16 tonnes may cross only at walking pace until the next repair, which the city council commissioned at its meeting on 5 December 2023. Large fire engines must keep at least two bridge spans, about 26 metres, apart, which on the bridge equates to a gap of at least three lamp posts. They may only cross if there are no more than three people per square metre on the pavement. Because of these limits, areas on the right bank of the Isar are currently served by Fire Station 1, and the city currently accepts that emergencies in Harlaching may not always be reached within the required response time.

The department said studies had found no need to change the planned closure. The ambulance service uses routing that takes the closure into account, and updated area sequences for the fire service will shortly be entered into the dispatch computer. A precise figure in minutes could not be given, but no increase in journey times is expected. The department said compliance with response times would be ensured, subject to the restrictions already accepted for Harlaching.

Should problems arise contrary to current expectations, options include additional training for crews on alternative routes, targeted temporary no-parking zones to ease access and adjustments to traffic lights. Relocating emergency vehicles was not examined further. The department said consultations had already been held with all those involved, including the Mobility Department, the Building Department, the police and the MVG, and would continue until work begins. It described the upgrading of the bridge as crucial to fast and reliable access for emergency vehicles.