Construction Update: A45 Road Bridge Advancements
The long-awaited Rahmede Valley Bridge, a crucial traffic axis connecting the Ruhr region with the Frankfurt metropolitan area, is currently under construction on the A45 near Lüdenscheid, Germany. The bridge, eagerly anticipated by the town and its surrounding area, has been the subject of construction delays and traffic disruptions since its closure in 2021 due to the risk of collapse.
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) has confirmed that the project is on track, and he is scheduled to participate in a citizen's festival in Lüdenscheid on October 4, where he plans to announce a specific opening date for the bridge.
Originally, the completion of the first partial structure of the bridge was targeted for mid-2026, but recent developments suggest that it may open earlier. Lüdenscheid hopes and wishes that the bridge could be opened for traffic before the anticipated 2026 date.
The reconstruction of the bridge consists of two partial structures, with the first carriageway expected to open in 2026, and full completion of the viaduct anticipated in 2027. The demolition of the old bridge took place in May 2023.
The interruption of the A45 connection in the Sauerland has resulted in significant consequences, including traffic congestion, noise, exhaust fumes, disrupted delivery traffic, loss of sales, and the loss of skilled workers. The closure has been a challenging period for the town and its residents, but the light at the end of the tunnel is finally in sight.
The citizen's festival in Lüdenscheid is intended to mark the final chapter of the A45 closure, and the community is eager to celebrate the return of this vital transport link. The Rahmede Valley Bridge is set to bring relief to the town and its surroundings, restoring the smooth flow of traffic and boosting the local economy.
References: [1] Source omitted for brevity.
The anticipated opening of the Rahmede Valley Bridge, once a crucial link between the Ruhr region and Frankfurt, could potentially be accelerated, aligning with Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder's announcement at the Lüdenscheid citizen's festival on October 4. Upon its completion, the bridge, which is undergoing reconstruction in two partial structures with the first carriageway expected in 2026, is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce noise and exhaust fumes, and boost the local economy in Lüdenscheid.
