Cost explosion at Frankenwaldbrücken: The federal government raises the alarm!

Cost explosion at Frankenwaldbrücken: The federal government raises the alarm!

In the Frankenwald Nature Park, things are currently underneath. The two planned suspension bridges, which are intended to increase landscaping for pedestrians significantly, not only cause enthusiasm, but also a lot of arguments. The Hell Valley Bridge, which is supposed to be the longest of its kind at 1,030 meters, and the Lohbachtal Bridge with 389 meters have developed into real cost traps. Originally, 12 million euros were to be expected for the entire project, now the invoice is estimated at over 42 million euros - an increase of more than triple! This ensures great excitement in the region and ensures that the project in [Merkur] (https://www.merkur.de/bayern/vom-schwarzbuch-kosten-fuer-projekt-in-bayern- Explod-93972632.html) is cited as an example of tax a waste of the federal government of taxpayers.

The planned bridges are to lead from Kesselfels over the Selbitztal to the Höllental terrace in Eichenstein and from Schwedenstein over the Lohbachtal to Lichtenberg. Both bridges can be reached from the visitor center at the swimming lake and promise breathtaking views. Despite the financial turbulence, the Hof district is showing determination and sticking to the project. “We have a good hand for tourism in the region,” says a spokesman for the district office, pointing out the great benefit that the bridges could have for the region. The project could attract many tourists to the area and thus help the local economy, as the Frankenpost reports.

Criticism and high costs

However, the Taxpayers' Association has concerns that cannot be ignored. They call on the Hof district to handle the financial risk carefully. In a statement, the continued increase in costs is classified as worrying and the risk of further waste of taxpayers' money is raised. The reasons for the enormous increase in costs are diverse: In addition to nature conservation and monument protection requirements, external factors such as generally rising construction prices are also fueling the problem. The Taxpayers' Association recognizes that geopolitical crises drive up costs, but makes it clear that taxpayers ultimately have to bear the additional costs, as n-tv explains in detail explained.

The construction work encounters additional complications. A non -standards' control procedure of the Federal Nature Conservation could mess up the schedule. The start of construction is planned for 2027, and the inauguration of the bridges is to take place in 2029. Until the development plan is in dry cloths, there is still plenty to do - the decision on the development plan was only made on July 24, 2024. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether the Hof district can access the hoped-for state funding of 70 percent of the eligible costs from the Free State of Bavaria.

Overall, it is clear that the Franconian Forest Bridges project is not only an architectural highlight, but also a financial touchstone for the region. The coming years will be crucial in making the dream of these beautiful suspension bridges come true - and without placing an unnecessary burden on tax resources.