Darmstadt Greens criticize delays in the new construction and demand binding commitments from Deutsche Bahn regarding track closures
The Darmstadt Green Party is increasing political pressure regarding the planned reconstruction of the Rheinstraße bridge. Given the still unresolved closure times for rail traffic, they are demanding binding commitments from Deutsche Bahn so that work on the bridge, which is in need of repair, can proceed. At the same time, they criticize the potential multi-year interruption of the tram service to Griesheim.
In a recent press release, the Greens accuse Deutsche Bahn of hindering the progress of the project by failing to make commitments regarding necessary track closures.
Criticism of Deutsche Bahn
"The railway must finally deliver. It cannot be that the entire country is discussing the renovation of infrastructure and reliable roads and railway lines, while at the same time the railway is unable to guarantee closures for the construction of the new Rhine road bridge," explains Green Party member of the state parliament Andreas Ewald.
In his assessment, the condition of the bridge also poses a risk to the rail traffic running below. Ewald points out that it is one of the busiest railway lines in Germany.
The Greens therefore see an urgent need for action to accelerate coordination between the bodies involved.
The city has made preparations
State Parliament member Hildegard Förster-Heldmann points to the preparations already made by the city of Darmstadt. Two bridges have already been renovated to allow for the necessary detours during the construction work. Furthermore, the city has adjusted its plans to shorten the required closure times for rail traffic.
“We did our homework in Darmstadt,” emphasizes Förster-Heldmann.
She also calls on Mayor Hanno Benz and Head of Mobility Paul Georg Wandrey to advocate for a swift solution at the state and federal levels. She explicitly mentions Hessian Transport Minister Kaweh Mansoori and Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder in this context.
Four years without a tram to Griesheim?
The Greens are particularly critical of the prospect that tram services between Darmstadt and Griesheim could be interrupted for four years in connection with the bridge reconstruction.
"The uncertainty for commuters must end. The plan to suspend tram service to Griesheim for four years also ignores the reality of the people and the region," explains Stefan Opitz, Chairman of the Mobility Committee.
The Greens believe that such a long interruption of the tram service would be unacceptable for the affected passengers and the region.
DB InfraGO is expected to give its opinion in the Mobility Committee
To clarify the open questions, representatives of DB InfraGO, which is responsible for rail infrastructure, are to be invited to the Mobility Committee.
According to the Greens, they are to explain why the necessary closures cannot yet be guaranteed and what possibilities exist to accelerate the construction project.
The Greens are therefore calling for both rapid coordination between the city, the railway and political decision-makers, as well as solutions that keep the restrictions for commuters and public transport to a minimum.
Further background information on the planned new construction and the current status of the project can be found in the DA.news article "New Rheinstraßenbrücke Darmstadt".
(DARMSTADT – RED/GREENS)
