Construction work on the L 20 approved: Court rules in favor of traffic and the economy!

Construction work on the L 20 approved: Court rules in favor of traffic and the economy!

An important judgment of the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court ensures movement on the L 20 state road between Velten and Pinnow. In an urgent procedure, the court decided that the construction work, which had already been scheduled for May 12, 2025, can now finally begin. This decision comes after a previous interim injunction from the Potsdam Administrative Court, which temporarily stopped the work.

The reason for the lawsuit lies in the existential fear of an applicant who runs a water skiing and water amusement park on the L 20. She feared that the construction work would have to accept a decline in her customers and thus a threat to her economic existence. However, the Higher Administrative Court evaluated the applicant's rights and decided that her access to the operational areas would continue to be guaranteed, at least from one direction. The court therefore held that the impairment was not disproportionate.

The court landscape in Brandenburg and Berlin

The Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court plays a central role in the legal structure of the two federal states. Since July 1, 2005, it has been the highest instance of administrative jurisdiction in Brandenburg and Berlin and is subordinate to the Federal Administrative Court. The origins of the OVG go back to 1875, when the Prussian Higher Administrative Court was founded, and an eventful history during National Socialism and after the Second World War is also part of its development. Today the court advises on many important legal issues that affect citizens and businesses in the eastern part of Berlin and Brandenburg.

Reunification brought with it some reforms that led to the modernization of administrative justice. The merger of jurisdictions is seen above all as a symbol of the unification of the two federal states. When it comes to administrative law matters, it is advisable to seek support from a specialized lawyer.

A look at administrative jurisdiction in Germany

The administrative jurisdiction from which the Higher Administrative Court emerged has a long history. The roots can be traced back to the second half of the 19th century, with the first German administrative court in the Grand Duchy of Baden. In Prussia, its own jurisdiction developed under the lawyer Rudolf von Gneist. The problem of a lack of uniform structures at the Reich level was addressed after the Second World War with the creation of administrative courts in the western occupation zones. This led to the Federal Administrative Court being established as an appeal authority based in Berlin from 1952 onwards. Significant changes also took place after reunification, when the administrative justice system in the new federal states was reorganized.

The ongoing process provides clarity and orientation for the citizens in and around Berlin who are affected by the construction work on the L 20, as well as for everyone who deals with administrative law issues. It shows how important it is to have a functioning legal system that takes into account the individual needs of citizens and companies.