Weser Tunnel: Finally relief for Bremen traffic by 2030!

Weser Tunnel: Finally relief for Bremen traffic by 2030!

The construction of the Weser Tunnel in Bremen is progressing and marks an important step towards completing the A281 motorway. The construction site is already in full swing as preparations for tunnel construction have just been completed and diversions have been planned. The aim of this comprehensive inner city connection is to relieve traffic, particularly on the heavily frequented A1 and A27, but also on the B75 and Neuenlander Straße. Forecasts for 2030 show that up to 55,000 vehicles could be on the road here every day.

Again Report from buten un within further shows that the history of the project has a long history. The first plans for the A281 appeared in the federal government's requirements plan from 1970. It was enshrined in the land use plan of the state of Bremen in 1983. The first construction phases began in 1995 and were successively completed by 2014, including significant sections of the route between the industrial ports and Burg-Grambke as well as connecting components between various parts of the city.

From dispute to tunnel construction

But the path wasn't always easy. Between 1993 and 2017 there was intense dispute over the Weser crossing, which ultimately led to the decision to build the tunnel. The residents' lawsuit before the Federal Constitutional Court was dismissed in 2016, which gave the starting signal for the planning of the Federal Ministry of Transport, which guaranteed its financing in 2017. In 2019, the groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Weser Tunnel, a final departure towards a future-proof transport infrastructure.

The current costs for the entire A281 and the Weser Tunnel are expected to be 1.64 billion euros, after an increase in costs to at least 775 million euros in 2023. From 2026, the ring closure is to be built in the south, which will involve additional costs of 370 million euros. Production of the tunnel tubes is scheduled for 2027, while final completion of the entire route is planned for 2030.

Sustainability in view

Another aspect that cannot be pushed into the background in these large-scale construction projects is sustainability. Like on that DGNB Blog discussed, the potential for climate-friendly road construction measures is a hot topic among experts. Fortunately, the construction managers and authorities are focusing on environmental measures, such as the creation of green walls to reduce visibility and emissions, as well as special protection programs for endangered meadow bird species.

For the long-term use of the transport network, a rethinking of the procurement procedures is also being sought so that climate protection incentives are granted. An initiative launched by the DGNB aims to establish sustainability assessments in infrastructure construction in order not only to minimize the ecological footprint, but also to improve the overall environmental balance.

The construction of the Weser Tunnel and the associated projects on the A281 are more than just a construction site. They represent the desire for a modern, sustainable transport system in Bremen, which will hopefully significantly relieve the city and its residents in the near future.