Berlin's Controversial TVO Highway Moves Forward Despite Environmental Protests

Environmentalists are protesting against the construction of a highway in the Wuhlheide forest area, with the Senate Department expecting a lengthy plan approval procedure for the 'Eastern Tangential Connection' (TVO) project management. The highway, planned for decades, is expected to cost at least 400 million euros and is intended to relieve overloaded streets around Köpenick old town and station.

The TVO project management has been a part of Berlin's General Traffic Plan since 1969, with the concept for the road gap closure between Marzahn and Köpenick adopted in that year. The plan approval procedure has now begun, with construction expected to start in 2026. The Senate Department estimates that up to 33,000 vehicles daily will use the two-lane highway in each direction.

The project management has sparked controversy, with many citizens hoping it will relieve transit roads but environmentalists and nature conservationists resisting the plans. Despite concerns and protests, the ruling parties, CDU and SPD, want to push through the project. Transport Senator Manja Schreiner has emphasized the need to move the project forward.

The TVO highway, with an expected cost of at least 400 million euros, is intended to ease traffic congestion around Köpenick. However, its construction is opposed by environmentalists and nature conservationists. Despite this resistance, the project is moving forward, with construction expected to begin in 2026.