Construction of the largest bridge in Europe: Wolgaster bypass is taking shape!

Construction of the largest bridge in Europe: Wolgaster bypass is taking shape!

Construction work on the new Wolgast bypass on the B 111 is gaining momentum and is very popular. Numerous trucks are currently in use, transporting fill material every day to create the embankment for the main bypass route. The progress of the work is encouraging: According to a report from Ostsee Zeitung, we are on schedule and the first sections have already been completed and usable.

Where is the journey going?

The bypass has a total length of 6.8 kilometers and will route traffic southeast around the town of Wolgast, which promises to significantly improve the connection to the A 20 and the popular island of Usedom. In particular, the construction of an impressive bridle bridge over the Peenestrom is mentioned here as a highlight. With a clearance height of 40 meters and 70 meter high pylons, it could become the largest of its kind in Europe, as well Strassen MV reported.

Cost game or smart investments?

However, the total investment of 287 million euros far exceeded the original estimates of 140 million euros. Financing is provided by the federal government, the city of Wolgast and the Vorpommern-Greifswald district. This raises questions because the ongoing underfunding of public infrastructure in Germany, the pressure to transform towards a climate-neutral economy and security policy challenges present planners with major tasks. According to an analysis by PWC The planning processes must be made more efficient in order to avoid such situations in the future.

Status quo and outlook

The bridge over the Peene is to be put out to tender next autumn 2023, which was originally supposed to be later than planned. However, there are no reports of delays, particularly with regard to the stability of the bridge piers. The test piles have already proven themselves: 1.50 meters thick and 60 meters deep, they offer the necessary stability.

Other projects are also planned as part of the bypass, including a new Bahnhofstrasse and a cycle path on Kreisstraße 26, which will be led over the bypass with a bridge. These construction projects underline the holistic approach to improving the transport infrastructure, which is important not only for private transport, but also for cyclists and residents.

Conclusion: The construction of the Wolgast bypass is a huge task that is associated with many challenges, but also holds enormous potential for the region. Að we can look forward to further progress and hope that the ambitious plans will actually be realized.