Stairs on the dike in Wittenberge: Why are they closed?

Stairs on the dike in Wittenberge: Why are they closed?

In Wittenberge, the access situation on the stairs behind the dike wall on the banks of the Elbe remains tense. These steep steps have recently been secured with chains, and proper warning signs inform people that unauthorized access is prohibited. Loud Northern Courier This measure was ordered by the Brandenburg State Office for the Environment (LfU) in order to prevent falls and take into account the established traffic safety. The closure is also a requirement that was set during the construction inspection of the dike wall, which was completed in 2020/21.

The current situation has brought the city of Wittenberge's regulatory committee into action, where the blocking of access options was sharply criticized. The head of the public order office, Lars Wirwich, emphasizes that different ownership relationships between the LfU and the waterways and shipping administration complicate the situation. The passage belongs to the LfU, while the stairs lead to the shipping administration. Any public use must ensure a traffic safety obligation.

Reactions and possible solutions

The city is very interested in keeping the area behind the dike wall attractive to tourists. However, there is currently no guarantee that the chains will be removed soon. “A permanent closure may be necessary,” a spokesman said. If the stairs remain closed, it would be desirable to make the security more attractive.

Construction projects in Wittenberge

While the city is struggling with the problem of closed stairs, a lot is also happening in the area of ​​transport infrastructure in Wittenberge. The construction of the new Elbe bridge, a central part of the A 14 motorway, is in full swing. This bridge will be the longest of the northern extension of the A 14 and, with a total length of 1,100 meters, will connect both Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg. The building law has been enforceable since October 24, 2019, and the groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 16, 2020, as reported DEGES.

The work on the Elbe bridge has already made significant progress. The final advance of the superstructure was successfully completed from April 28th to 30th, 2025. This superstructure, which has reached its final position, is part of an extensive construction project that must also take into account the existing Elbe bridge on the B 189, which will be rebuilt from 2026. The total cost of the bridge is around 170 million euros, which will be borne entirely by the federal government. Here too, care is taken to ensure that nature and landscape protection meets the highest standards wittenberge.de.

In summary, it can be said that Wittenberge is dealing with both the challenges of traffic safety in the area of ​​the dike and with important infrastructure projects. Residents and visitors are curious to see how the situation will develop - whether the chains will disappear soon and when the new highway will run through the city.