Gigantic Airbus transport to Hodenhagen: Roads under heavy use!

Gigantic Airbus transport to Hodenhagen: Roads under heavy use!

A big event is imminent: On October 26th, a heavy Airbus weighing 79 tons will be transported from Hanover to the Serengeti Park in Hodenhagen. This means an extensive preparation phase for the roads that this transport will use. A traffic control company from Rodenberg has been busy planning the route carefully for several weeks so that everything runs smoothly. Traffic safety measures were carried out at around 30 points along the transport route. This includes removing traffic signs, traffic lights and cables as well as filling ditches.

The uneven road at a railway crossing is particularly challenging and also needs to be prepared. For transport, it was decided to optimize the dimensions of the Airbus: the fuselage was lowered from 6.80 meters to 5.90 meters. This is done using the innovative “reverse rigging” method, which not only makes transport easier, but also protects the trees in the adjacent landscape protection area. Tests with a model of the aircraft fuselage have already proven this. This means that the nature conservation exemption for transport no longer applies.

Environmentally friendly measures

The discussions between the authorities and the Serengeti Park resulted in environmentally friendly solutions to avoid possible damage to nature. These ecological considerations are also supported by the Lower Nature Conservation Authority and NABU, which confirmed that the risks to the trees in the protected area are minimized. Despite careful planning, transport must take place after October 1st after the end of the breeding and setting season. In addition to lowering the height of the hull, care is also taken to raise branches of 480 trees using a winch to prevent any damage.

Extensive tree work is taking place on the transport route. A traffic island on state road 191 between Hademstorf and Essel will be demolished to clear the way. After the transport, however, this island should be rebuilt. Hanover Airport was also already part of the project when the Airbus was loaded onto the transporter there - earlier than originally planned due to the weather conditions. Light bars were also installed on both sides of the aircraft to increase visibility at night.

An event for onlookers

The operators of the Serengeti Park expect a significant number of spectators during the transport. Fixed viewing points have been set up for this purpose, as staying on the streets is risky. Transport is only carried out at night between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., at walking speed. The Airbus is scheduled to reach its final position in the park on October 30th with the help of two cranes. It cannot be overlooked: the project has cost a lot of work and negotiations over the last three years, especially with regard to the nature conservation requirements that initially prevented approvals. Now nothing stands in the way of the planned major event.

In conclusion, it can be said that this transport not only involves mastering logistical challenges, but also the need for sustainable solutions and the protection of nature. The logistics industry as a whole is required to reduce its ecological footprint. After all, transport and logistics are responsible for up to 11 percent of global CO2 emissions Fraunhofer IML, which is why sustainable approaches are particularly hotly debated here. The transport of the Airbus will be an example of how such challenges can be overcome while protecting the environment.

For further information, citizens can follow the details directly on the news pages: [NDR](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/hannover_weser-leinegebiet/hodenhagen-strassen- Werden-fuer-airbus-transport-aufwendig-vorreifet,serengeti-104.html) and Hannover.de.