Weinlig Street’s Decade-Long Crisis: Who Will Fix the Crumbling Road?
Weinlig Street in Soltau has been in a dire state for over ten years. Residents describe the road as dangerous, particularly for cyclists, while drivers use it as a detour around closed barriers on Walsroder Street. Despite ongoing concerns, finance for repairs remains uncertain.
The decline of Weinlig Street has been a long-standing issue, with locals calling its condition catastrophic. Many avoid the road altogether, citing risks for both drivers and cyclists. The problem has persisted for more than a decade, yet no solution has been implemented.
In December 2022, Soltau’s political landscape shifted when SPD and the Greens pushed to abolish the Strabs regulation—a street maintenance fee. Their goal was to ease financial burdens on citizens and create fairer traffic funding. However, the regulation was ultimately scrapped by a vote from CDU, Bürgerunion/FDP, and AfD.
Financial constraints now threaten any progress. Dr. Hans Willenbockel of the BU/FDP group acknowledges the urgent need for repairs but doubts the project will proceed due to budget limitations. The SPD faction, led by Birhat Kacar, has submitted a motion to assess renovation costs, prioritising street improvements over outdated buildings. Yet, even if costs are determined, delays could still occur.
Soltau’s budget for this year contains no funds for Weinlig Street’s renewal. With limited municipal resources, the town has resorted to raising taxes to cover essential investments. The lack of allocated money leaves the road’s future uncertain.
Without dedicated finance, Weinlig Street’s renovation remains stalled. The SPD’s cost assessment may clarify expenses, but financial hurdles persist. Until a budget is secured, the road’s poor condition is unlikely to change.
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