Overview
- The project’s ceremonial groundbreaking, which took place Monday, brought Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder to Meiderich and drew about 200 protesters with whistles, drums and boos.
- The bridge replacement moves first because inspectors flagged critical load issues and heavy trucks over 40 tons were barred in October 2024, with a Hochtief‑led consortium awarded the first €450 million contract and a partial traffic switch targeted for autumn 2029.
- Beyond the 1.8‑kilometre bridge, the federal plan would widen 6.7 kilometres of the A59 to six lanes on raised structures, creating a 45–50‑metre corridor with tall noise walls close to homes in Meiderich and Hamborn.
- Duisburg’s mayor and residents reject the high viaduct and press for a tunneled or covered trench, warning of less sunlight and higher neighborhood noise, and city officials say they are preparing to sue if the federal design prevails.
- No final planning approval exists for the full stretch, with a federal order allowing only preparatory works in parts of the corridor through January 4, 2027, as the minister forecasts a 2026 permit, the city expects 2027 and seeks to keep those limits in place.