Merz in Hamburg: New billions for transport projects and infrastructure!

Merz in Hamburg: New billions for transport projects and infrastructure!

A warm welcome to the Hanseatic city! Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) visited Hamburg on November 25, 2025, where he was received by Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD) in the town hall. In a Senate meeting, current issues came to the table that affect not only the city, but also the region. The focus was particularly on the future and financing of Germany's largest seaport.

Merz announced a series of measures to strengthen the transport infrastructure. He promised additional funds from the federal government's special funds and emphasized the importance of renewing the Elbe bridges, which are seen as a key project for mobility in the north. In addition, building rights are to be created for the A26-East motorway section in order to improve transport connections. The modernization of the Hamburg railway junction is also part of the plans to speed up freight transport and reduce bottlenecks.

Renovation backlog in Hamburg

But not everything is going well in the northern German metropolis. The current renovation backlog has been addressed from various sides. The Norderel Bridge and other dilapidated bridges urgently need to be repaired, which Dr. Gisela Bertram from BUND Hamburg addresses. “Renovation must take priority instead of investing millions in the new construction of the A26 East,” she said critically. BUND Hamburg is calling on politicians to stop planning for the A26 East and to pay more attention to maintaining the existing infrastructure.

The Norderel Bridge, which has serious structural defects, will be closed for lane closures starting next week. It is a central artery for national traffic, which is why a quick solution is needed. Another point that Merz and Tschentscher are targeting is the poor condition of the other Elbe bridges and the Köhlbrand Bridge. “There’s something going on!”, many a citizen will think.

Federal government relies on investments

The federal government has big plans for transport infrastructure. According to the federal government, around 169 billion euros have been earmarked for transport projects by 2029. This means a massive investment package that includes, among other things, the renovation of bridges and the modernization of railways and roads. Merz emphasizes that everything that is ready for construction will actually be built.

Thanks to a special fund, over 30 billion euros more will be available for investment from 2025 to 2029. A clear principle is also followed here: “Preservation before new construction.” Not only will money be made available for new roads and railway lines, but improvements to existing infrastructure will also be implemented quickly.

Merz's visit to Hamburg was part of his inaugural visits; He plans to visit all 16 federal states by the end of the year. After his stay in the Hanseatic city, he will then move on to Berlin, where he will give a speech at the Employers' Day of the Confederation of German Employers' Associations. The citizens of Hamburg can only hope that the announced measures will soon become visible and that the transport infrastructure will actually receive a significant boost.