B29 renovation: Severe traffic disruptions expected until the end of 2025!

B29 renovation: Severe traffic disruptions expected until the end of 2025!

The B29 construction site in Lorch has caused both traffic disruptions and significant progress on the maintenance project in recent weeks. The sixth construction phase, which extends between Urbach and Lorch, will currently be released on October 26th. The seventh construction phase will begin on October 27th, which includes the road renewal in the direction of Aalen as well as the closure of the Waldhausen entrance and exit in the direction of Aalen and the Lorch-West exit. Completion of this section is scheduled for mid-December. Until then, cars can travel in both directions on the B29, with each direction being assigned a lane. A diversion will be set up for traffic in the direction of Stuttgart, which will be activated from November 3rd, and traffic safety will be implemented shortly. The total investment in this section amounts to around 22 million euros, which is provided by the federal government to renew the dilapidated infrastructure.

The Stuttgart regional council has been tackling the expansion of the B29 since October 2020. In addition to the current phase, work is being carried out in two construction phases between Essingen and Aalen, with the second construction phase having already progressed so far in June 2023 that it should probably be completed in two years. The expansion of the road includes the conversion from one lane to two lanes as well as a hard shoulder in each direction, which amounts to a total cost of around 54 million euros. This is done not only for practical reasons, but also as part of a modern approach to digital planning using the Building Information Modeling (BIM) method, which makes the construction site unique in Baden-Württemberg.

Digitization of the construction site

By using the latest technologies such as smartphones and drones, the construction site is not only better managed, but also the documentation of construction progress is optimized. All collected data is available in a shared data room, meaning that those involved in the project are always informed about the current status. This innovative approach aims to speed up the construction process while keeping an eye on costs.

Investments in infrastructure

The B29 investments are part of a much larger plan by the federal government, which wants to invest an impressive 166 billion euros in infrastructure by 2029. The rail sector is particularly in focus here, with around 107 billion euros expected to flow into the renovation of, among other things, heavily used railway lines and motorway bridges. However, the increased funds not only include rail infrastructure, but also 52 billion euros for federal roads and 8 billion euros for waterways. These financial resources are expected to increase by 60 percent compared to 2020-2024, indicating a clear focus on renewing and modernizing transport infrastructure.

However, with the ongoing construction projects and planned investments, travelers have to prepare for further construction sites and possible restrictions. In the long term, however, these measures should lead to improved punctuality and reliability, thereby increasing the quality and safety of the transport network in Germany.