A20 Compromise Doesn't Just Bring Joy - A20 Motorway Breakthrough Balances Bats and Infrastructure After Decades of Delay
A long-running dispute over the A20 motorway extension has finally reached a compromise. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Greens agreed on a deal that includes stronger protections for bats and other environmental measures. The breakthrough comes after years of delays, offering relief to residents and businesses in the region.
The agreement centres on the southern bypass of Bad Segeberg, part of the A20 motorway project. Environmental protections will account for roughly one-tenth of the €465 million construction cost. Key measures include safeguarding slope forests along the Trave River and preserving extremely rare tufa springs.
The environmental group BUND has withdrawn its lawsuit against the extension in exchange for enhanced bat conservation. As part of the deal, the state will allocate €14 million to establish a dedicated bat conservation foundation. Lasse Petersdotter, leader of the Green Party’s parliamentary group, stressed the need to protect endangered bat species and called for broader consideration of other at-risk wildlife in future transport projects.
CDU transport policy spokesman Lukas Kilian described the agreement as a major step forward after decades of uncertainty. Meanwhile, FDP parliamentary group leader Christopher Vogt welcomed the bat protections but noted that discussions on connecting the A20 to the A7 remain unresolved. The government still plans further talks with environmental groups, including local campaigners like Reinhard Crasemann and project advisor Dr. Peter Dörsam.
Once completed, the A20 extension is expected to cut daily traffic through Bad Segeberg from around 33,300 vehicles to 13,600. However, SPD transport policy spokesman Niclas Dürbrook criticised the compromise, arguing it spends €500 per bat without advancing motorway construction during the current government’s term.
The deal marks a turning point in the A20 motorway dispute, balancing infrastructure needs with environmental protections. Traffic congestion in Bad Segeberg is set to ease significantly once the bypass opens. Further negotiations on the A7 connection will determine the next steps for the project.
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