264,000 euros for cycling: airport tunnel plans fail dramatically!

264,000 euros for cycling: airport tunnel plans fail dramatically!

The discussion about the cycling situation at Stuttgart Airport is taking a new turn. Current plans to improve the infrastructure for cyclists in the airport tunnel between Filderstadt-Bernhausen and Stuttgart-Plieningen have been rejected, leading to sharp criticism from the taxpayers' association. The planned measures should create more space for cyclists and at the same time limit car traffic. The cost of these considerations totaled 264,000 euros, which is seen by many as disproportionate, especially since the situation at the tunnel remains largely unchanged.

In March 2023, the issue was initiated by the Baden-Württemberg Transport Minister Winfried Hermann (Greens). The airport tunnel is considered an important bottleneck for cycling traffic, as motorized traffic only has one lane in each direction. Cyclists and pedestrians must limit themselves to a higher path that is only one meter wide. Alternative ideas, such as a separate tunnel for cycling and pedestrian traffic, were considered, but failed due to the high costs of around 100 million euros.

Criticism of the plans

Critics of the previous plans criticized the lack of support for the proposals to create more space for pedestrians and cyclists by converting the tunnel and saving a lane for cars heading north. Many municipalities feared that traffic would be shifted to the nearby federal highway 27, which would lead to additional strain on inner-city traffic. This was criticized by residents and traffic experts as an ecological detour.

In September 2024, the state government decided to initially keep the airport tunnel open to car traffic. This decision was based on the overlap between the necessary renovation of the tunnel and the planned conversion for bicycle traffic. During the transition period, the eastern bypass of the tunnel will instead be optimized for cyclists, which will cause additional costs of around 150,000 euros.

High spending for little improvement

The total expenses, including a feasibility study for the “airport tunnel cycle path concept” (158,000 euros), a traffic investigation (99,000 euros) and legal advice (7,000 euros), add up to 264,000 euros. However, the taxpayers' association questions the necessity of this expenditure, as the measures have not yet brought any significant improvements for cyclists.

In summary, the situation for cyclists at Stuttgart Airport remains tense. While the plans for more safety and space are met with clear criticism, those involved hope for future-oriented and environmentally friendly solutions that take both cycling and motorized traffic in the region into account.