Future Rhine Bridge project: Planning for Zurzibiet gets underway!

Future Rhine Bridge project: Planning for Zurzibiet gets underway!

Things are finally moving forward in the Zurzibiet area! The overall traffic concept (GVK) for the important Rhine crossing between Waldshut and Koblenz has successfully completed the first planning phase. This was recently discussed at the fourth meeting of the steering committee, where the adapted synthesis report was tabled. A big step, because the majority of all participants in the consultation approved the report Tagblatt reported.

The focus is on replacing the Rhine bridge and examining various variants for the new crossing. The possibility of an additional bridge between the two cities is being intensively examined. The variants “West” (Schmittenau) and “West-West” (Dogern) have already been rejected. Instead, the Swiss municipalities prefer the “Mitte” variant, which provides for a replacement in the current location or in the immediate vicinity. The German communities, on the other hand, would like to see a more in-depth discussion on the “East” option, which is planned east of Koblenz. Both variants are further on the agenda and remain in the game.

A look at the infrastructure

But the GVK is not just limited to bridge use. The planning also includes strengthening the Aare Valley axis as the main transport corridor for public transport (ÖV) as well as infrastructural improvements for bicycle traffic. Optimizations of existing road networks are being considered in order to avoid capacity bottlenecks. These measures are necessary because, according to a situation analysis, 82% of motorized road trips in the Zurzi area are “homemade” - this speaks in favor of starting locally and significantly optimizing, as in ag.ch can be read.

The cantonal structure plan and the mobility strategy “mobilitätAARGAU” serve as the central basis for all planning. Particular attention is also paid to the customs requirements between the two countries, as the customs infrastructure at the Waldshut-Koblenz crossing remains relevant for the future.

The challenges and the way forward

The challenges are great, but the plans show that good hands have been shown. A draft for the operating concept is also being prepared to ensure the functionality of the transport system in the long term. Given the traffic situation at the Koblenz border crossing, where around two thirds of journeys are through traffic, quick action is required.

The schedule stipulates that the second phase of the GVK will run until around 2027. During this time, concrete measures should be developed for all modes of transport. The aim is to complete the replacement of the Rhine Bridge by around 2040, which will also provide the oldest concrete structures in the region - the lattice truss bridge from 1859 - with an appropriate successor, as historical records show de-academic.com are available.

It remains exciting to see how the plans develop and what steps will come next. The citizens of the region can look forward to seeing how the traffic landscape around the Rhine crossing will change in the coming years!