DRESDEN, Germany, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- A German court overruled claims Wednesday that a proposed bridge over the Elbe River could endanger Dresden's World Heritage Site status and a bat species.
The decision by an administrative court allows the city to proceed with construction of the modern bridge, Deutsche Welle reported. But the judges said the speed limit on the bridge should be less than 20 mph from April to October when the lesser horseshoe bats fly at night.
The bridge was opposed by environmental groups and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. UNESCO placed Dresden on its own "endangered" list in June and asked officials in Saxony to redraw the plans to create a span more in keeping with the city's character.
Dresden residents approved the bridge in a referendum with two-thirds voting in favor of construction. Officials said the bridge will ease traffic congestion in the city.
Known as "Florence on the Elbe," Dresden was the target of a British and U.S. bombing raid in 1945 that destroyed the city center. Many historic buildings and churches have since been rebuilt.
