Warnow Bridge Rostock: Financing unclear – construction plans cause excitement!

Warnow Bridge Rostock: Financing unclear – construction plans cause excitement!

There is an exciting development in Rostock: the construction of the new Warnow Bridge has been put out to tender across Europe. This is reported by NDR, surprising parts of the citizenry because the topic has not yet been discussed in committees or citizenry meetings. A clear expression of everything surrounding the bridge is the fact that financing and approval have not yet been finally secured, which is raising some skeptics.

The city administration does not avoid the criticism. According to her, there is a “provisional funding notice” from the federal government that supports the positive forecast for the building permit. But experts disagree and consider the tender to be legally questionable under these circumstances. The uncertainties are not without their consequences - the questions about the legal basis in particular are causing quite a stir.

Construction scope and details

The Warnow Bridge, also known as the Rostock Oval, is planned as a bascule bridge with a main span of 70 meters and a total span of over 541 meters. At first glance, the project seems grand, but the financial conditions are anything but clear. Overall, the construction costs are estimated at around 63 million euros, the majority of which will be covered by subsidies. But the binding commitments for the funding are still up in the air, and the city's increased own contribution also causes additional considerations.

The process, led by the Rostock Society for Urban Renewal, Urban Development and Housing mbH, provides for a solid construction that is specifically aimed at a steel bridge with a concrete deck. This was also described in detail in the German tender. The bridge will be designed as a multi-span structure over the Warnow in the city center of Rostock and will provide a functional walking and cycling path.

Deadlines and requirements

The schedule for the construction work is also ambitious. Construction is scheduled to start in December 2025, with completion planned by May 2028. In order to take part in the tender, offers must be submitted electronically by September 23, 2025, and only applicants who can demonstrably have no grounds for exclusion in accordance with Sections 123 & 124 GWB are allowed to submit offers.

The city ultans now know that they have to hurry. While the planning phase continues to drag on and funding may soon be available, it remains to be seen whether the planning approval process will be completed before November 2025. The uncertain outcome of these elements creates tension and gives many citizens and politicians material for dispute.

So it remains exciting to see whether the Warnow Bridge will be the longed-for transport project for Rostock or whether the current financing challenges will prove to be insurmountable. One thing is certain: There is something in the air here, and the next few months will show whether Rostock can stick to its planned timetable.