- Modified approach for adjusting operations in Riederwald Tunnel
For the contentious and upcoming Riederwald tunnel in Frankfurt, another planning process is necessary. "The revision proposed by the Federal Highway Administration (Western Division, Frankfurt Office) aims to acquire an exemption permit under wildlife protection laws," the responsible governmental administration in Darmstadt stated.
In the context of construction activities that started in 2022, a roughly 3-hectare section of the Fechenheimer forest was cleared. The proposed path for the A66 for the future tunnel connection passes through this area.
Protection measures for a beetle species
Prior to the clearing, "third-party evidence of the European-protected beetle species 'Heldbock' was discovered in the affected forest section and was corroborated by expert opinion," it was revealed. Consequently, the Federal Highway Administration initially decided against completely clearing the area and preserved specific tree zones as well as implementing other protective measures.
According to the governmental administration, an exemption permit under wildlife protection laws is now necessary to proceed with the clearing work. In order to seek public input, the revised plan will be available on the governmental administration's website starting on the 26th of August until the 25th of September. Statements regarding the modifications can be made to the governmental administration until the 25th of October.
Long-standing controversy over the A66 continuation
The continuation of the A66 and its connection to the A661 with the planned tunnel have been significant political issues in Frankfurt since the mid-1980s. The environmental association BUND and other initiatives had advocated for halting the highway construction after protected beetle specimens were discovered on the site.
As a form of protest against the clearing work, activists occupied trees in the Fechenheimer forest. The area was cleared by the police in early 2023. The expenses for the major project have continued to rise and were last estimated at approximately 1.5 billion euros in the fall of the previous year.
To ensure compliance with wildlife protection laws, the governmental administration in Frankfurt needs an exemption permit for the transport and telecommunications infrastructure project within the Riederwald tunnel. Due to the importance of this permit, the revised plan will be made available for public consultation from August 26 to October 25.
The long-standing controversy over the A66 continuation in Frankfurt, which includes the need for transport and telecommunications infrastructure, has been fueled by opposition from environmental groups and the discovery of protected beetle species on the construction site.
