Tunnel construction in Mörlenbach: blasting gives the starting signal for the bypass!

Tunnel construction in Mörlenbach: blasting gives the starting signal for the bypass!

On August 26, 2025, there was a celebratory occasion in Mörlenbach (Bergstraße district): a spectacular blast marked the starting signal for the construction of a new tunnel, which is part of the B38 bypass. This measure is an important step for commuters in the Odenwald because it is intended to help noticeably reduce daily traffic jams in the area. In the future, around 20,000 vehicles will be redirected to the new bypass, which should significantly ease the traffic situation. This reports ffh.de.

The construction project also has an immense financial dimension, costing around 215 million euros, with the entire expenditure being borne by the federal government. With a length of 550 meters, the tunnel at Kisselhöhe will not only be a central element of the project, but will also present an innovative solution: It will be the first mined tunnel in Germany to have an integrated escape route - a real advance in safety technology.

Ceremonial demolition and view

Numerous other guests were also present at the demolition, which was opened by tunnel sponsor Daniela Engelhardt, the wife of the Bergstrasse district administrator, with a symbolic push of a button. Mayor Erik Kadesch emphasized how important the bypass is for Mörlenbach. District Administrator Christian Engelhardt added: This bypass road is just the beginning for infrastructural improvements in the Weschnitztal. There are also already plans for future projects to improve traffic in the neighboring towns of Rimbach and Fürth.

The planned completion of the tunnel is scheduled for 2028. The entire route, including additional tunnels and viaducts, is scheduled to be completed by 2029. This period of time shows how ambitious the plans are and what positive development the region could experience in the coming years.

Tunnel construction in Germany

The decision to build the bypass is part of a larger context. According to an analysis by tunnel-online.info Tunnel construction in Germany is currently undergoing interesting developments. In 2022/23, the STUVA survey found that the construction of traffic tunnels decreased overall compared to the previous year, while planning for future tunnel projects increased.

With its own projects such as this tunnel in Mörlenbach, Germany will try to reverse this trend and advance the expansion of the infrastructure. Mörlenbach is just a piece of the puzzle that needs to be solved so that the traffic relief can also be felt in the coming years.

Overall, it is clear that this bypass not only improves local conditions, but also sets an example for future-oriented traffic planning. The region will definitely be paying close attention to the construction work, because a lot is likely to happen here in the near future - and perhaps this initiative will also be used as a model for other places.