Aid has been approved for the listed ventures:
Hagsfeld Bypass: City Council Weighs Costly Revisions
On May 22, the City Council's Planning Committee convened to discuss the progress of the Hagsfeld Bypass project, a controversial road connection intended to relieve traffic and protect the environment in the districts of Rintheim and Hagsfeld. Initiated in 2008, the project's cost estimates have escalated due to rising prices, bringing the total cost to approximately €118 million.
Initially, the plan called for four bridges: two pedestrian and cycle bridges and two wildlife bridges. However, financial constraints led to the removal of the pedestrian and cycle bridges, with the eastern wildlife bridge expanded to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, and the Old Rintheimer Hauptstraße transformed into an unsealed farm track leading to Hinterwiesenweg.
The current plans include an underpass for the bypass road beneath the railway tracks, stretching 301.2 meters in length. The underpass structure, aimed at minimizing the project's impact on the environment, is particularly costly. Drainage will primarily rely on infiltration basins and natural outlets, with the exception of the Haid-und-Neu-Straße, where water will be directed into the sewer system. Noise protection walls and relocation of the Old Bach for nature conservation purposes are also part of the plan.
Concerns were raised during the Planning Committee about the project's cost, its potential impact on the city's budget, and the feasibility of the proposed plans in their current form. While acknowledging the progress made in the areas of drainage, noise protection, and nature conservation, councilors questioned whether the ideal solution presented could be sustained in 2030 given the rising costs.
"Can we afford this ideal solution in 2030 in its current form?" asked CDU councilor Pfannkuch, while FDP/FW councilor Lorenz warned of potential cost increases that could lead to the project's failure. KAL councilor Cramer vehemently rejected the project due to the exorbitant cost increase, questioning the city's financial sustainability.
Mayor Daniel Fluhrer, acknowledging the concerns, reminded the city council that they had previously approved the more expensive solution and emphasized that the presented plans represented the minimum necessary for the project to proceed. As of the meeting's conclusion, no consensus was reached, and the matter was handed over to the Government Presidency for further consideration.
"Given the escalating costs, it's crucial to consider the potential impact on personal-finance and the city's overall budget due to the Hagsfeld Bypass project."
"In light of the rising expenses and uncertain feasibility in 2030, some councilors question if the current plans for the Hagsfeld Bypass, particularly its cost, align with effective personal-finance and budgeting strategies."
