Traffic jams and complaints: The B27 expansion between Tübingen and Balingen is at a standstill!

Traffic jams and complaints: The B27 expansion between Tübingen and Balingen is at a standstill!

Commuters in the Tübingen region are once again faced with a large number of construction sites that are putting a significant strain on their commute. The chief physician and psychological psychotherapist Thomas Frittrang commutes from Tübingen to Tailfingen every day and feels the effects of the constant traffic jams first hand. A number of commuters leave Tübingen and Stuttgart towards the Zollernalbkreis, while Frittrang goes against the flow. This means less traffic, but it doesn't make the journey any less arduous, especially between Bodelshausen and Tübingen, where roads are regularly blocked, as Schwäbische reports.

The discussion about expanding the B27 to four lanes between Balingen and Tübingen is not new. Politicians and citizens have been arguing about the best solution for decades. The focus is particularly on the so-called Endelbergtrasse, which would lead through meadows and orchards. Opponents of this route have formed in the Tübingen district and criticize that alternative tunnel solutions under Ofterdingen have not been sufficiently examined. This resistance has already led to legal action.

Legal disputes

In May 2023, the NABU and BUND associations filed a lawsuit against the planning approval decision that affects the Endelbergtrasse. The extensive lawsuit includes 230 pages and a 200-page expert report that point to serious negative impacts on protected habitats. The EU requirements for the protection of lowland hay meadows, tall herbaceous meadows and other important protected areas are not considered to be sufficiently taken into account. According to environmentalists, this violates valid legal regulations, which is clearly shown by BUND.

In addition, it is also concern about climate goals that is driving the lawsuit. The calculation of CO₂ emissions was described as inadequate and alternative, more climate-friendly solutions were neglected. Those responsible are faced with the challenge of dealing with the need for expansion as well as meeting legal requirements and climate protection.

Stagnation in the construction process

Although the lawsuit has been filed, construction has not yet started. The regional council has given reasons for the delays; Both the implementation planning has not yet been completed and there is a lack of budget funds for the project. In addition, the regional council had difficulties finding suitable planning offices - an offer could only be obtained on the third attempt. This continues to cause frustration among affected commuters who are hoping for an early solution.

However, the need for expansion is undeniable. The number of motor vehicles in Germany is constantly increasing and in 2025 there were around 49.3 million cars, which significantly increases the volume of traffic. This makes a solid transport infrastructure all the more urgent in order to counteract the existing traffic jams and traffic problems, as the Federal Environment Agency confirms.

While citizens eagerly await the decision of the administrative court in Mannheim, the situation remains tense. The lawsuit generally has a suspensive effect, but not for projects with “urgent needs” such as the B27. We can only hope that a solution will be found in the near future that will both improve traffic flow and protect nature.