91 million euros for Fehmarnsundbrücke: cost explosion causes excitement!

91 million euros for Fehmarnsundbrücke: cost explosion causes excitement!

The planning for the fixed fehmarnbelt crossing takes on concrete forms, and in 2026 the first construction work should finally begin. This affects all sections between Lübeck and Grossenbrode, including the Fehmarnsund tunnel. Bettina Hagedorn, the SPD member of the Bundestag, states that the start of construction for the individual areas Grossenbrode, Oldenburg, and Lübeck is already planned in the first quarter of 2026. Work for Ratekau/Scharbeutz and the other sections follow in the second quarter, while Bad Schwartau is coming in the fourth quarter. So far, only construction work on Fehmarn is underway anyway.

The anticipation of the upcoming progress is hand in hand with concerns. Hagedorn is skeptical of how the massive two -track rail expansion of more than 70 kilometers is to be implemented in just three years. The schedule stipulates that the entire hinterland connection must be completed by the end of 2029, which raises many questions. "It remains a mystery to me," she notes, while she questions the feasibility of the ambitious goals. The accounting committee of the German Bundestag (RPA) already emphasized the need for talks with Denmark on September 27 to discuss potential solutions if the lowering tunnel cannot be completed in time.

costs and construction problems

Another big topic is the costs. The basic repair of the Fehmarnsund Bridge, which has been in operation since 1963, has now tripled to 91 million euros - originally mentioned of 30 million euros. Hagedorn criticizes the German railway for having neglected its maintenance obligations. This bridge is statically not designed for freight traffic, so that future trips could be endangered, the tracks should be improved.

The repair needs are not surprising, but causes great frustration. The State Road Construction and Transport company bears 64 percent of the costs, while DB Infrago is responsible for 36 percent. In view of the high costs, it is also not surprising that this topic was already put on the agenda for the meeting of the budget committee on October 16. Transport Minister Volker Wissing is expected for discussion, and the tension is growing.

conversations about transitional solutions

The importance of transitional solutions is in the room if the urgently needed lowering tunnel is not used in time. Hagedorn emphasizes that these talks with Denmark are an essential element of planning. The aim is to find an acceptable solution without the temporary electrification of the Fehmarnsund Bridge. Such a plan would extend the total duration of the construction project again.

Bettina Hagedorn continues that the temporary electrification, which is required for freight traffic to Scandinavia, would cost an estimated 61.6 million euros. In addition, this covers the necessary connection and the necessary adjustments to the Sundbrücke - a financial effort that increases the already high costs. There is no intention of overlapping noise protection for the bridge, which could trigger some worries in the population.

The challenges in railway construction along the Fehmarnsund Bridge and the upcoming conversions are so numerous. While the plans are progressing, it remains to be seen whether the ambitious time and budgets can be observed. Any delay or additional costs could not only have an impact on the project itself, but also on the many stakeholders who are involved in the process.

Further information on this topic provides The article at www.kreiszeitung.de .