The old bridge between Fehmarn and the German mainland will have to carry on for several more years.
A new plan from the German government puts the expected opening of the Fehmarn Sound tunnel at no later than 2035. Until now, the expectation had been 2031/2032, meaning the bridge may have to carry the main flow of traffic for several years longer than anticipated.
At the same time, keeping the more than 60-year-old link in operation is becoming considerably more expensive.
Deutsche Bahn said in September that the renovation is now expected to cost around EUR 170 million, equivalent to just under DKK 1.3 billion. That is almost twice the previous estimate of EUR 91 million. When work began in 2020, the price tag was EUR 30 million, Welt reports.
Damage inside the bridge’s seven concrete piers is more extensive than expected, while the steel structure also requires more work.
The renovation is therefore set to continue until at least 2030. Until then, the 30 km/h speed limit will remain in place.
Once the Fehmarn Sound tunnel opens, the main traffic flow will move to its four road lanes and two railway tracks. The bridge will be retained for cyclists, pedestrians and slow-moving vehicles, among others.
