Construction work blocks cycle path between Stendal and Borstel until summer!

Construction work blocks cycle path between Stendal and Borstel until summer!

In recent weeks, the cycle path between Borstel and Stendal has become a topic of conversation among residents. Local mayor Karl Heinz Krause has received a number of complaints from Borstel residents complaining about the blockage of the cycle path. This route was originally supposed to be usable again by the end of 2024, but the work is taking longer than expected. The reason for this is extensive improvements to the water and electricity supply that currently need to be carried out. However, according to Volksstimme these measures are necessary.

The underground work includes, among other things, the re-laying and replacement of cables and lines, with low and medium voltage cables and fiber optic telecommunications lines being laid. In addition, old drinking water pipes are being replaced with modern plastic pipes. Despite the importance of these improvements, there are currently delays due to poorer ground conditions than initially anticipated.

Delays and planned recovery

Another reason for the delays is longer rest periods during the winter months. In addition, a new, complex technology, the horizontal directional drilling method, is used to lay the pipelines without trenches. This method requires more time than traditional methods. The municipal utilities have assured that they will agree on a new schedule for restoring the cycle path in the coming weeks. A positive aspect: All construction pits are currently filled with gravel and can therefore be driven over.

The municipal utilities regret the inconvenience caused and are doing everything in their power to implement the outstanding measures quickly. “We assume that the work will be completed by the end of the summer holidays,” said a spokesman for the municipal utilities. It is expected that the cycle path will be in significantly better condition after the work.

Cycling in focus

But the issues surrounding cycling in the region go far beyond the current construction work. Since 2021, states and municipalities have been able to apply for federal funding for cycling infrastructure projects. The special financial aid program “City and Country”, which was made permanent until 2030, provides a total of around 1.9 billion euros to promote cycling. This not only supports improving infrastructure, but also the safety 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 more transport to bicycles, especially in rural areas. Funded measures include not only the construction and repair of cycle paths, but also the creation of dedicated cycle paths and parking 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 larger plan to improve traffic conditions for cyclists in the long term and increase their safety. The progress could provide a positive experience for residents and cyclists in the future, although there are currently some hurdles.