Agreement or standstill? New Lennebrücke building in court today!

Agreement or standstill? New Lennebrücke building in court today!

On July 4, 2025, a hearing about the new construction of the Lenne Bridge on the B236 in Nachrodt will take place today at the Higher Administrative Court (OVG) in Münster. Plaintiff Christian v. L., a resident and property owner, raises several allegations against the Arnsberg district government's planning approval decision, which was made in August 2024. In his lawsuit he claims that the planning is not necessary because the old Lenne Bridge is still usable.

Another point of the lawsuit relates to supposedly outdated reports on which the decision is based. The plaintiff also criticizes an inadequate examination of variants, legal errors with regard to the environmental and species protection assessment and an incorrect assessment of the interference with his legal interests. Furthermore, the planned route could destroy listed streets, which increases the plaintiff's concerns.

Background to the Lenne Bridge

The Lenne Bridge has been in a dilapidated state for years and is only accessible in one lane, with traffic lights regulating traffic. There are often long backlogs, especially at peak times. In February 2024, the bridge was completely closed after flood damage to the bridge pillars, which led to traffic being separated into the north and south parts of Nachrodt. During this time, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) built a temporary bridge for pedestrians.

The NRW State Transport Minister Oliver Krischer visited the closed bridge and received criticism due to the long delays in the construction process. The new construction of the bridge is now part of a comprehensive planning approval process that was completed on August 23, 2024. In addition to the State Roads Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia, various local modes of transport are also involved in the planning in order to improve the traffic situation.

Future plans and challenges

The existing Lenne Bridge can only be used for one-way traffic and cannot be renovated while traffic is running. A long-term full closure of the Lennetal is not possible due to the high traffic volumes and rerouted routes. The planned new route is intended to optimize the traffic situation on Ehrenmalstrasse and Sparkasse by eliminating a sharp 90-degree curve.

In addition, new separate cycle paths and walking paths as well as three additional crossing aids are planned. The plan also includes redesigning the bus stop to increase traffic safety. Dismantling the existing bridge and building a new one near the eastern bank of the Lenneus are intended to reduce flow obstructions and reduce the barrier effect on water-bound animal species. Gas and sewage pipes are to be routed through two culvert systems under the Lenne.

Construction will probably only begin two to three years after the planning approval decision becomes effective. The entire design could take up to a year and a half before it is ready for tender. Mayor Birgit Tupat was pleased with the quick conclusion of the process, but had not expected a decision until the beginning of 2025. Spectators at today's hearing, including the mayor and representatives from various council factions, will be eagerly awaiting the decision.

Further details on the negotiations and the upcoming plans for the Lenne Bridge can be found in the reports from Local voice and Come on to find.