Nations express a desire for "no such incidents again" following the failure of the Carola Bridge.
Germany's transportation structures are starting to show signs of wear. The states are urging the federal administration to create a multi-billion dollar fund promptly to modernize railways, bridges, and roads. Initially, Transport Minister Wissing was in favor of this idea, but the requested plan from his department is yet to be presented to the states, as indicated in a draft resolution from North Rhine-Westphalia for the transport ministers' conference (VMK) next week in Duisburg.
Collapsed bridge in Dresden serves as a reminder
"It's time for a change in approach following the collapse of the Carol bridge in Dresden," stated NRW Transport Minister Oliver Krischer, who currently chairs VMK. "We need a new strategy to prevent more damage to our transportation infrastructure. If we don't make significant, long-term, and planned investments soon, future generations and Germany's competitiveness will suffer." Krischer emphasized that an infrastructure fund is necessary, and it needs to be established before the federal election.
Both Finance Minister Christian Lindner and Wissing have expressed support for the creation of a fund, according to Krischer. However, progress has been slow. Per the NRW draft resolution, the infrastructure fund should be established as a special asset of the federal government through a corresponding law with the approval of the Bundesrat.
Encourage private investments too
According to the draft resolution, using funds from the CO2 pricing in transportation and exploring methods to engage private capital in financing the fund would be beneficial for railways, in particular. The ultimate goal should be to present the decision-makers with a balanced and sustainable fund model for consideration during the next legislative period, as per the VMK.
The state transport ministers expressed approval of Wissing's infrastructure fund proposal during the conference in April and requested a plan by the autumn conference. The transport ministers from the states will meet in Duisburg this week and Wednesday-Thursday, and Federal Minister Wissing is expected to attend as well.
"Given the current situation, The Commission, comprising the state transport ministers and federal administration, must expedite the creation of the multi-billion dollar fund to address Germany's aging transportation infrastructure, as suggested by NRW Transport Minister Oliver Krischer."
"If approved, this fund, spearheaded by The Commission, will not only modernize railways, bridges, and roads but also encourage private investments in the transportation sector, as suggested in the NRW draft resolution."
