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Companies in the Odenwald region are demanding rapid new construction and better traffic management
The ongoing closure of the Zeller Bridge on the B45 federal highway is severely impacting the regional economy. A recent survey conducted by the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) among over 2,400 companies in the B45 catchment area reveals that three-quarters of businesses are affected , with almost half experiencing significant to very significant disruption. The IHK is therefore calling for the bridge to be rebuilt in record time .
“The B45 is the lifeline, but unfortunately also the Achilles' heel of the Odenwald district,” explains Dr. Daniel Theobald , Head of Business and Location at the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). The figures from the IHK survey illustrate the economic pressure: 57 percent of businesses report logistical problems , and 45 percent state that they are finding it increasingly difficult to reach customers .
Massive revenue losses due to lockdown
Many companies fear significant revenue losses. Estimates range from under €1,000 to over €20,000 per week – due to both additional logistics costs and a lack of customers . "Customers that are lost are difficult to win back," says Theobald.
also suffers : A quarter of employees currently need 30 to 60 minutes longer to get to work, and half need 15 to 30 minutes longer . This has a negative impact on job satisfaction and, in the long term, on the demand for skilled workers.
Demand: Reduced bureaucracy and a clear timetable
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) is demanding the swift demolition of the damaged bridge and a reliable overall timetable for its reconstruction . "We need a bit of Italy for the Odenwald," says Theobald, referring to the rapid reconstruction of the bridge in Genoa. All promised measures to reduce bureaucracy must now be implemented.
In addition, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) is calling for a transparent information and traffic management system to provide guidance for businesses, employees, and customers. Efficient transit via the Odenwald Railway must also be ensured as soon as possible.
Of the 2,416 businesses contacted, 512 participated in the survey – a response rate of over 21 percent . The survey targeted companies from Groß-Umstadt, Otzberg, Bad König, Breuberg, Brombachtal, Erbach, Höchst, Michelstadt, Mossautal, and Oberzent .
(DARMSTADT – RED/IHK)
