Supporters and critics debate the expenses of the Sallerne rain bridge: how accurate are the financial projections?
In the scenic city of Regensburg, a series of significant infrastructure projects have been bundled under one umbrella term, the "North Spine". This includes the renovation of the Lappersdorf roundabout, the expansion of the North Ring Road, and the controversial Sallerner Rain Bridge.
A new website for the North Spine project has been launched by the city and district of Regensburg, the State Building Authority, the Federal Highway Company, and the market of Lappersdorf. This platform provides a total cost estimate for the first time from a responsible source.
According to the joint website, the cost estimate for the Sallerner Rain Bridge project is approximately 175 million euros in the year 2024. This estimate is based on the current construction price index of the Federal Statistical Office and not on hypotheses about future market developments. The expansion of Nordgaustraße from Alexcenter to Amberger Straße accounts for the lion's share of this cost, with an estimated 104.5 million euros according to the 2024 municipal cost forecast.
The cost for the expansion of Nordgaustraße has increased from 104.5 million to 112 million euros in the current draft for the next investment program, representing an increase of almost 10 percent in one year. It is important to note that index and risk costs, which are added by the city of Regensburg to planned investments, are not included in the current cost forecast.
Meanwhile, opponents of the Sallerner Rain Bridge are holding a bike demo and emphasizing their rejection of the controversial traffic project. More than 20 groups are participating in the bike demo, which will take place from the main station to the Hauner nursery in Lappersdorfer Street. A cultural program with signature collection for a citizen's initiative against the construction of the Sallerner Rain Bridge will follow the bike demo.
The seemingly rosy numbers provided by the project's proponents do not contribute to their credibility, as the Sallerner Rain Bridge project has published a cost estimate on its own website that is not considered credible by opponents. The Sallerner Rain Bridge is projected to cost 31.1 million euros, and the Lappersdorfer roundabout 41.5 million euros.
The debate around the North Spine is likely to focus more on the question of necessity and the pros and cons cited, rather than the costs. The city adds between roughly 10 and 20 percent in index and risk costs to planned investments over the next five years for a more realistic representation of actual costs. This addition is not included in the current cost forecast for the North Spine projects.
As the North Spine projects progress, it is crucial for all parties involved to maintain open and transparent communication about the costs and benefits associated with each project. This will help ensure that the citizens of Regensburg are well-informed and can make informed decisions about the future of their city.
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