Aging infrastructure as a global problem was clearly on display when a bridge span partially collapsed into the Elbe River in Dresden, Germany on Sept. 11. The sudden late-night failure caused no injuries but has impaired traffic flow in the city of 590,000.

The span is part of the 100-meter-long Carola bridge across the Elbe built between 1967 and 1971, and carries a tram line and hot water lines, reports EuroNews. The bridge is one of four crossings in the city.

Simone Pruefer, head of the city's road and civil engineering office, says the bridge has been inspected and examined in accordance with guidelines as required. "We were all very surprised" by what happened, she told reporters, "and are now devoting a great deal of attention to investigating the cause."

Breaks in longitudinal concrete beams near bridge masonry piers at both river banks are evident from photos and videos, but whether these are a primary cause of the collapse isn't clear. Corrosion is also being weighed as a possible cause, according to media reports.

The part of the bridge that collapsed was scheduled for renovation and had last been rehabbed in 1996, EuroNews reported.

Dresden's auto and ship traffic has been badly disrupted. "The bridge is a lifeline for the people, the culture and the economy of this city," says Dresden Mayor Dirk Hilbert. He said the city is working "at full speed" to secure the bridge from further collapse and to clear the debris.