Citizens' gathering at Uedesheim Fleher bridge, originally scheduled for next Monday, has been cancelled due to demolition; new construction plans to be unveiled instead.
**Article Title: Plans for the New Flehe Bridge on A46 Balance Environmental Impact, Traffic Flow, and Pedestrian Needs**
The potential solutions for the new construction of the Flehe Bridge on the A46, as reported by Autobahn GmbH in cooperation with the cities of Neuss and Düsseldorf, are being carefully evaluated with a strong focus on balancing environmental impact, traffic flow, and pedestrian and bicycle traffic considerations.
In terms of environmental impact, the bridge's design and placement aim to reduce interference with the Rhine River ecosystem. This includes protecting aquatic habitats and avoiding significant disruption to local flora and fauna during construction. Implementation of noise barriers and use of low-emission construction methods are being considered to minimize impact on nearby residential areas and natural reserves. Plans also include using environmentally friendly materials and adopting construction practices that reduce carbon footprint and waste.
For traffic flow, solutions under review seek to enhance traffic capacity to accommodate current and future vehicle volumes on the A46, aiming to reduce congestion and improve travel time reliability. Options include widening the bridge or constructing a new parallel structure to separate traffic directions or introduce additional lanes, improving throughput. Designs focus on seamless connectivity and smooth transitions with feeder roads in Neuss and Düsseldorf, avoiding bottlenecks and enabling better traffic distribution. Some proposals suggest integrating smart traffic control systems to optimize flow during peak hours and manage incidents effectively.
Regarding pedestrian and bicycle traffic, ensuring safe, segregated paths for non-motorized users is crucial. Ensuring this will encourage sustainable mobility and improve local connectivity between Neuss and Düsseldorf. Proposals emphasize barrier separation, good lighting, and clear signage for pedestrians and cyclists to enhance safety and usability. Some concepts consider multi-use trails that connect with regional cycling networks, promoting recreational use and alternative commuting options.
Autobahn GmbH is working closely with municipal authorities from Neuss and Düsseldorf to incorporate local concerns and expertise. Public consultations and environmental assessments are part of the process to ensure transparency and stakeholder engagement. Final decisions will balance these factors to deliver a bridge solution that meets transportation needs while protecting the environment and supporting active mobility.
The construction cost for the new Flehe Bridge is estimated at 94 million marks. The city of Neuss is involved as a carrier of public interests in the procedure and sees itself as a professionally competent project partner. Citizens can direct their questions and concerns to the project team during the information events, which will start at 6 p.m. on both days. The earliest possible start of construction for the new Flehe Bridge is in 2029.
Starting next Monday, the planning variants will also be presented online at
From the perspective of the cities of Neuss and Düsseldorf, it is important and necessary to improve the function of the bridge with regard to bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The project includes not only the bridge reconstruction but also a comprehensive renovation of the A46 on a four-kilometer stretch between the junctions Neuss-Uedesheim and Düsseldorf-Bilk. Renovating the existing bridge is no longer economically feasible, according to Autobahn GmbH.
Until then, the bridge will remain two-lane instead of three in both directions. The administration wants to report continuously on the project progress within the framework of the district committee Uedesheim. The information events will take place at the parish hall of St. Martinus Uedesheim, Rheinfähstraße 200, in Neuss-Uedesheim, and the Aula of the Catholic Primary School, Fleher Straße 213, in Düsseldorf. The venues for the information events are barrier-free.
In 2018, regular inspections revealed cracks and material damage on various supporting components of the Flehe Bridge, as well as hidden damage under coatings. The high fatigue loading due to heavy truck traffic over the past decades is a significant factor in the bridge's damage. Various project variants will be presented starting next Monday.
- To ensure sustainable development, the transportation industry could explore funding options in finance for the implementation of low-emission construction methods, noise barriers, and environmentally friendly materials in the new Flehe Bridge project.
- After conducting a comprehensive renovation of the A46, the improved Flehe Bridge will facilitate increased transportation capacity for vehicles, as well as safer and more accessible paths for pedestrians and cyclists, thereby fostering active mobility and economic growth in the cities of Neuss and Düsseldorf.
