A100 extension in Berlin: relief or chaos for residents?

A100 extension in Berlin: relief or chaos for residents?

Next Wednesday, Berlin's A100 city highway will be extended by 3.2 kilometers, which is causing heated discussions in the capital. The new section, which includes the 16th construction phase between Neukölln and Treptow, will be opened to car traffic. After a construction period of over a decade, the highly controversial section is finally completed. The total costs of around 721 million euros make it the most expensive motorway project in Germany. Proponents see the expansion as a significant improvement in the connection of East Berlin to the motorway network, while critics warn of an increase in car traffic and the associated burdens on residents. Nordkurier reports that Protests against the commissioning have already been announced, particularly by the group “A100 wegbassen”.

The new motorway section runs predominantly in a trough up to seven meters deep and includes three junctions: Grenzallee, Sonnenallee and Treptower Park. What is particularly noticeable is that the opening act will not take place on the new route, but in the Estrel Hotel in Neukölln. Governing Mayor Kai Wegner emphasizes the need to implement the further 17th construction phase to relieve pressure on residential areas.

Political controversy and resistance

While Berlin's economy is optimistic about the opening and sees the 16th phase as a win for the capital, there is resistance within the political ranks. The Berlin SPD resolutely rejects the 17th construction phase. Within the party, surveys among 196 MPs show that a majority is against further expansion. Well-known faces such as Susanne Mittag from Lower Saxony and Hakan Demir from Berlin are clear voices against the expansion, while other MPs such as Helmut Kleebank insist on an assessment of the traffic situation after the first section has been put into operation.

The discussion about further expansion is anything but over. Uncertainties about the official position of the federal SPD make the situation even more complicated. A coalition with the CDU/CSU could further increase tensions within the SPD, as this faction supports motorway expansion. Critics warn that the cost of the 17th phase could rise to around 1.1 billion euros, raising concerns about its economic viability and the impact on local residents.

Cost explosion for highway projects

The RBB reports that the costs of the A100 extension have increased significantly due to rising construction prices. The current estimate for the entire extension is now around 1.8 billion euros - 300 million euros more than originally assumed. A key factor is the price increase of over 9% in the construction price index for federal highways last year. This means that the federal government is expecting additional costs totaling 15.4 billion euros for all motorway projects.

The debate about the A100 expansion reflects not only local but also national political trends. The challenges facing politics are complex and the outcome remains exciting. The protests and resistance to the expansion are likely to be a topic of conversation in the capital for a long time.