Traffic - CDU MP Ploß warns of delays to A1 bridges
The plans for the new construction of Hamburg's Autobahn bridges over the Norder- and Süderelbe, according to CDU Bundestag member Christoph Ploß, should be significantly accelerated. The roughly 60-year-old and in some cases over 80-year-old bridges of A1 (Bremen-Lübeck) are deteriorated and are to be replaced with new constructions. The planning approval decisions for the new bridges are planned for mid-2026, the Federal Transport Ministry informed Ploß in writing. Only after the submission of the building permit can statements on the financing of the construction measures be made.
Construction was planned for 2025
In September of the previous year, the planning documents for the eight-lane expansion of the A1 section with the bridges were submitted. It was stated then that the construction work should begin in 2026. According to earlier statements from project company Deges, the construction was supposed to start as early as possible in the year 2025.
Traffic restrictions possible
As the Transport Ministry further stated, Autobahn GmbH intends to inspect the Norderelb bridge in August. A repair could follow in the fall. In case of need, "traffic-diverting measures" will be taken. Traffic restrictions have already been implemented at the Süderelb bridge.
The Norderelb bridge was built in the 1960s. The Süderelb bridge consists of two separate construction parts from the years 1938 and 1965. The Autobahn GmbH, according to the Transport Ministry, aims to put the first parts of the new bridges into operation by 2029/30.
"Traffic collapse imminent"
"If the A1 is no longer fully drivable, Hamburg is facing a traffic collapse!", warned Ploß. It is dangerous that the Hamburg Senate only wants to create the necessary planning permission in the middle of 2026. The "Hamburger Abendblatt" had previously reported on the information from the Federal Transport Ministry.
Project description of Deges [
(Note: The last line seems to be incomplete and missing the content of the project description of Deges)
The CDU, led by Christoph Ploß, advocates for expediting the construction of new Autobahn bridges over the Norder- and Süderelbe in Hamburg, citing the aged state of existing bridges on the A1. The Federal Ministry of Transport has announced planning approval decisions for these new constructions in mid-2026. Initial construction was believed to commence in 2025 but has been pushed back to 2026 due to unspecified reasons.
The new construction plans include a big expansion of the A1 section, involving seven bridges over the Elbe river, which will necessitate the replacement of the current, over-80-year-old structures. The Autobahn GmbH intends to put the first segments of the new bridges into operation by 2029/30.
The prospect of traffic congestion due to bridge repair and replacement work has caused concern, especially regarding the Süderelb bridge where traffic restrictions are already in place. The Ministry of Transport has indicated that "traffic-diverting measures" may be taken if necessary, while the Norderelb bridge, built in the 1960s, is scheduled for inspection and potential repair in August 2024.
The construction plans and expenditures are yet to be formally discussed, as only after the building permit has been submitted can statements regarding financing be made. The project company, Deges, had previously proposed starting construction at the earliest possible opportunity in 2025.
Questions have been raised about potential delays in the construction process, given the sensitive state of the existing bridges and the need to maintain reliable transportation in Hamburg. CDU member Ploß, fearing a "traffic collapse" in the city, has emphasized the importance of expediting the construction and obtaining necessary planning permissions as soon as possible.
