Construction work block cycle path between Stendal and Borstel to summer!

Construction work block cycle path between Stendal and Borstel to summer!

Stendal, Deutschland - In the past few weeks, the bike path between Borstel and Stendal has become a topic of conversation among the residents. Mayor Karl Heinz Krause has received a number of complaints from Borstel citizens who complain about the blockade of the cycle path. Originally, this path should be usable again by the end of 2024, but the work lasts longer than expected. The reason for this is extensive improvements to the water and power supply that must currently be carried out. According to Volksstimme, however, these measures are necessary.

The underground work includes the relocation and replacement of cables as well as lines, whereby the low and medium-voltage cables and fiber optic telecommunications lines are laid. In addition, old drinking water pipes are replaced by modern plastic lines. Despite the importance of these improvements, there are currently delays due to poorer building funds than initially assumed.

delays and planned restoration

Another reason for the delays are longer rest periods during the winter months. In addition, a new, elaborate technology, the horizontal flushing drilling process, is used to trench the pipelines without a trench. This method needs more time than conventional procedures. The municipal utilities have assured that they will vote for a new schedule to restore the bike path in the coming weeks. A positive aspect: all construction pits are currently filled with gravel and therefore overwhelmed.

The municipal utilities regret the inconvenience and do everything they can to implement the open measures quickly. "We assume that the work will be completed by the end of the summer vacation," said a spokesman for the municipal utility company. It is expected that the bike path will be in a significantly better condition after the work.

bicycle traffic in focus

But the topics related to cycling in the region go far beyond the current construction work. Since 2021, countries and municipalities have been able to apply for federal funds for cycling infrastructure projects. The "City and Land" financial aid program, which was stabilized by 2030, provides a total of around 1.9 billion euros to promote cycling. This not only supports the improvement of the infrastructure, but also the security and attractiveness of cycling in rural areas. According to BMV there are already over 3,000 confirmed measures nationwide.

The aim of this program is to shift traffic to the bike more, especially in rural areas. Funded measures include not only the new construction and repair of cycle paths, but also the creation of own wheel streets and storage facilities. Up to 75 percent of the costs of such measures can be covered by federal funds, which supports financially weak communities with up to 90 percent.

For the region around Stendal, this means that the current challenges in cycle path construction are ultimately part of a more extensive plan to improve traffic conditions for cyclists in the long term and to increase their safety. The progress could offer residents and cyclists a positive experience in the future, even if there are currently some hurdles.