New bridge construction in the Esslingen district: risk of traffic jams will increase by 2030!

New bridge construction in the Esslingen district: risk of traffic jams will increase by 2030!

The bridge infrastructure in Germany, especially in the Esslingen district, is facing major challenges. Current plans envisage renewing several important bridges in the Esslingen district by 2030. The aim is to build a new bridge along the B 312 near Aichtal. The B10 bridges near Plochingen, B27 near Aichtal and B297 in Kirchheim are also affected, with the federal government taking over the construction and financing for the bridges on federal roads. This was stated in a report by the Esslinger newspaper explained in detail.

In particular, the Filsbrücke (B10, Plochingen) and the Aichtalbrücke (B27, Aichtal) urgently need renovation. These bridges, built in the 1970s and 1980s, are considered to be heavily used. The Filsbrücke is crossed by around 70,000 vehicles every day. The time pressure to modernize these bridges has increased following the tragic collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden in September 2024, leading to more intensive testing of similar designs in Baden-Württemberg.

Road safety comes first

Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann and District President Susanne Bay emphasize the urgency of the measures. Security and economic aspects are the focus of the discussions. Bay also emphasized the priority of road safety and infrastructure. Another aspect is the stress corrosion cracking problems, which also affect the Kirchheimer Bridge and the Ermstal Viaduct in Neckartzenlingen.

The local councils in the region have already initiated a number of steps, such as the partial construction of the Pliensau Bridge, for which approval is expected to be granted next year. In the meantime, pedestrians and cyclists must use the Vogelsang Bridge until the repair work is completed. This shows the urgency and need for action on many busy routes.

Bridge modernization – a nationwide problem

The challenges in Esslingen reflect a nationwide problem. Germany has around 40,300 bridges, most of which were built between 1960 and 1985. Given the increase in heavy traffic and the age structure of the bridges, comprehensive modernizations such as this are necessary Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport determines.

Despite the launch of a modernization program for around 5,000 partial structures by 2032, implementation is under pressure. The Federal Audit Office criticizes the fact that only 40 percent of the planned measures were completed by the end of 2024. Around 590 partial structures would be necessary annually for implementation, which is considered unrealistic. The Federal Audit Office fears that the bridge stock will deteriorate if timely and targeted action is not taken.

In order to ensure safety standards on bridges, clearly defined goals and improved personnel and financial resources are required. The suggestions range from improving the facilities of Autobahn GmbH to putting new construction and expansion projects on hold in order to free up resources for the necessary bridge modernizations.

Overall, the modernization of the bridge infrastructure in Germany is a complex challenge in which the safety of road users has the highest priority.