Funding shortfalls in proposed federal highway projects in Saxony
Saxony MP Paula Piechotta (Greens) has criticised Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) for not addressing the insufficient funding for road maintenance and preservation. This comes in response to the announced shortfall of around 15 billion euros for federal roads from 2026 to 2029, as announced by the Federal Ministry of Transport, led by CDU Minister Patrick Schnieder.
The risk is not about a construction stop, but about planned construction measures not starting or contracts not being awarded. This has put eight road construction projects in the Free State of Saxony at risk, with building permits that cannot be issued, despite existing or expected building rights.
One of the projects at risk is the B107 east of Chemnitz, aimed at relieving the city center of through traffic. Another is the B178 project in Saxony, planning a connection of the Three-Country Corner Germany-Poland-Czech Republic to the A4. Fortunately, unlike in other states, no motorway projects are affected in Saxony.
Piechotta's statement was made in the context of ongoing issues with federal road construction projects in Saxony, which are at risk of delays due to insufficient funding. She warned that if the federal government does not change course, sudden closures of roads and railways may occur.
In response to this, Piechotta urged the Ministry of Transport to prioritize maintenance and preservation of roads in Saxony and nationwide, and to expedite expansion and new construction on the railway, which is also underfunded. She emphasised the importance of these projects, particularly the B107 and B178, for the safety and convenience of the people of Saxony.
The maintenance and preservation of existing federal roads in the current legislative period until 2029 requires more funds nationwide, with Saxony needing 206 million euros over the next four years. Piechotta's statement was a call to action for the federal government to address this issue and ensure the continued development and safety of the nation's roads and railways.
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