Weser Tunnel finally in sight: Bremen transport projects on the home stretch!

Weser Tunnel finally in sight: Bremen transport projects on the home stretch!

The construction of the Weser Tunnel to complete the A281 in Bremen has gained momentum in recent months. The main goal of this major project is to relieve traffic flow in Bremen, especially on busy roads such as the A1, A27, B75 and Neuenlander Straße. Forecasts suggest that up to 55,000 vehicles will use the tunnel every day by 2030, crossing the city more efficiently and reducing congestion. The first plans for the A281 have existed in the federal government's requirements plan since 1970, and were laid down in the land use plan of the state of Bremen in 1983.

The construction work on the A281 was gradually implemented between 1995 and 2014. The first section of 2 km between the industrial ports and Burg-Grambke was completed in 1995. Further construction phases followed: in 2008 a 5.7 km stretch between the freight traffic center (GVZ) and the Neuenlander Ring, and in 2014 the 4.2 km long section at the GVZ between Bremen-Strom and Bremen-Seehausen. Despite this progress, there were lengthy disputes about the best method for crossing the Weser. From 1993 to 2017, options such as public-private partnerships, toll opportunities, and the construction of a bridge or tunnel were discussed. Ultimately, the political majority spoke in favor of building a tunnel using the sinking method.

Lengthy approval processes

An important turning point in the project was the lawsuit filed by residents, which was dismissed by the Federal Constitutional Court in 2016, as well as the financing commitment from the Federal Ministry of Transport in 2017. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Weser Tunnel took place in 2019, but construction costs rose from the original 345 million euros to at least 775 million euros. This price increase is due to numerous factors that occurred during the planning and construction period.

Preparations for the construction of the Weser Tunnel have currently been completed and diversions are being planned for residents. Construction on the ring closure in the south is expected to begin in 2026, with the total costs for this section estimated at 370 million euros. A year later, the tunnel tubes will probably be manufactured in Bremerhaven and transported to Bremen. Completion of the Weser Tunnel and the A281 is targeted for 2030, with the total costs now estimated at 1.64 billion euros.

Environmental commitment and future steps

Numerous environmental measures were also initiated as part of the project. This includes, among other things, clearing to prepare the construction site for explosive ordnance clearance, the creation of green walls as privacy and pollution protection, and a concept for improving the habitat for meadow birds in the Wesermarsch. These measures are part of a holistic plan that also takes future noise emissions into account.

According to official reports, care has been taken to ensure that no additional noise emissions are generated beyond the legally required levels. The multi-layered planning shows both the challenges and the opportunities associated with such an infrastructure project. While the city of Bremen waits for the completion of the A281 and the Weser Tunnel, critical monitoring of implementation progress and compliance with environmental standards remains essential.

For detailed information about the individual construction phases and the current status of the projects, the DEGES project portal is a valuable resource that offers insights into the development of the A281: DEGES.