Complete closure in Delmenhorst: Bridge construction is delayed again!

Complete closure in Delmenhorst: Bridge construction is delayed again!

The construction work in the Delmenhorst motorway triangle, which has been causing a stir since demolition work began in December 2023, is taking an unexpected turn. The new bridge construction on the A28 Delmenhorst/Hasport/Stadtmitte exit is nearing completion, but today's onset of winter has thrown the plans into disarray. Again Weser courier reported, the full closure of the motorway triangle planned for December 10, 2025 will be postponed. The subzero temperatures have a direct impact on the hardening of the construction materials, making it increasingly unlikely that the new bridge will be opened to traffic on time.

The original timeline called for the work to be completed in spring 2023. But due to various delays, such as a construction stop in June due to delivery problems for special components, progress is slow. It will be interesting to see whether the new possible date for opening to traffic, which is dated December 22nd, remains realistic in the coming days.

Background and challenges

The old bridge, which had spanned the highway since 1961, was not replaced when it was rebuilt in the early 21st century, which has long been considered a safety risk. In 2019, significant deficiencies were discovered that ultimately made replacement unavoidable. The work not only started suddenly, but also had to be stopped due to suspicions of unexploded bombs from the Second World War and problems with sandy soil, such as District newspaper explained.

The current focus is on critical areas behind the abutments of the new bridge, which must provide important load-bearing capacity. For drivers around Bremen, this means that significant traffic restrictions can still be expected. The full closure will be prepared quickly, with traffic taking place via designated diversion routes.

Broad discussions about infrastructure

But throughout Germany, not just in Delmenhorst, the topic of infrastructure has been increasingly discussed in recent months. Many construction projects, including the construction of new bridges, drag on for years and often decades, according to a recently published report by daily news shows. The lengthy approval and planning procedures often make life difficult for German infrastructure projects. A circumstance that the Bundestag would also like to accelerate in order to minimize such delayed construction work in the future.

In summary, it remains to be seen how the situation in the Delmenhorst motorway triangle will develop in the coming weeks. A good handle on the weather and optimistic planning could help the new bridge be opened to traffic on time. But given the current weather conditions, it remains exciting to see whether the hard-won progress will not stall again.