Bridge Replacement Project Criticized for Lengthy Duration

The Josef Cardinal Frings Bridge, a critical link in the region's infrastructure, is set to undergo replacement, with a binding target of completion within one year. However, estimates suggest the process could take until 2035, sparking criticism from local business groups.

The bridge, causing around €45 million in annual economic damage due to its limited capacity, is a bottleneck for the region's economy. The IHK Mittlerer Niederrhein has criticized the lengthy duration, demanding acceleration of the construction process.

Legal experts and the IHK Düsseldorf and NDH have proposed several measures to expedite the project. These include setting a binding public timetable, clearly defining contact persons and process guides to ensure planning approval within one year. They also suggest reducing planning periods to one year for such projects and establishing a specialized infrastructure senate at the Higher Administrative Court of Münster to process and decide on appeals within the same timeframe. Additionally, they propose changing the award process to the overall award, replacing the previous lot award obligation.

The overall project is estimated to take until 2035, with six to eight years allocated solely to planning and awarding the project. The results of the opinion decision and the six-point demand catalogue from the three partners have been presented to relevant authorities and decision-makers responsible for implementing these acceleration measures.

The replacement of the Josef Cardinal Frings Bridge is a critical infrastructure project that, if expedited, could significantly boost the region's economy. With the proposed measures, the project could be completed within one year, reducing the current estimated duration until 2035. The success of these measures depends on the cooperation and commitment of all involved parties, from local business groups to government bodies and project leadership.