Berne receives unexpected funding for a new cycle path!

Berne receives unexpected funding for a new cycle path!

In the municipality of Berne, work is hard on a new cycle path that will lead over the new railway bridge. The good news comes directly from Mayor Hartmut Schierenstedt: The municipality will receive the funding earlier than expected, which will significantly accelerate the plans for the cycle path. Loud NWZ Online The funds were originally only planned for 2029, but thanks to a verbal agreement in a video conference they will now flow earlier. Although written confirmation is still missing, financial relief is in sight.

The old bridge, which once provided a narrow path for cyclists, was closed by Deutsche Bahn after an accident. The new building with an integrated cycle path is intended not only to strengthen the connection between Berne and neighboring Elsfleth, but also to promote cycling in the region. The entire cycle path will cost around 5 million euros, with Berne and Elsfleth each having to cover a portion. The municipality of Berne must prepare a supplementary budget and a commitment authorization for its own contribution of 136,098 euros.

Support and perspectives

In addition to financial support, funds also come from the special “City and Country” program, which aims to tailor and support cycling. The federal government has recognized how important it is to promote cycling in order to achieve its climate goals. That is why the financial framework for cycling projects has been significantly improved. The ministry continues to provide funds to secure these measures in the long term. Various investment programs are running until 2029, including “Cycling Model Projects” and the “Germany Cycle Network”. as the BMV reports.

Meanwhile, Deutsche Bahn is also working on planning a new Hunte Bridge between Berne and Elsfleth, a project that fits harmoniously into the cycle path planning. The approval documents have already been submitted to the Federal Railway Authority and the plan approval process can now begin. The planned start of construction is as soon as possible; commissioning is targeted for the end of 2027/beginning of 2028. Political support for the cycle path and the bridge project comes in particular from Karin Logemann (SPD) and Björn Thümler (CDU), who emphasize the importance of the cycle path connection over the Hunte. Everyone involved hopes that the construction of the new bridge will bring advantages for the regional economy as well as for cycle tourism.

There are three options for building a new bridge that are currently on the table: the one-to-one reconstruction of the old bridge, a larger bascule bridge or the “Friesenbrücke 2.0”, which is favored by Economics Minister Olaf Lies due to its quick implementation and larger ship adaptation.

Overall, this shows that the municipality of Berne and Deutsche Bahn have a good hand in planning and promoting cycle paths. The early disbursement of the funding makes the implementation of the projects tangible and promises better connections and more safety for all cyclists in the region.