Mayor outraged: Planned full closure of the B236 without information!

Mayor outraged: Planned full closure of the B236 without information!

The residents and mayors in the region are facing a challenge: The B236 between Altena and Werdohl is to be completely closed in sections for more than a year in 2026 and 2027. This news came as a surprise to many because the affected communities found out about the closure through a newspaper article. Altena's mayor Guido Thal (CDU) informed during a council meeting about the plans of Straßen.NRW that affect this important traffic artery. The residents of the federal highway were not previously informed about the upcoming restrictions, which caused confusion and disbelief, said Thal.

During a traffic discussion with experts from Straßen.NRW, which took place in Hagen on December 4th, the background and the necessity of the full closure will be discussed. Thal is accompanied by the mayors Dirk Middendorf (Werdohl, CDU) and Birgit Tupat (Nachrodt-Wiblingwerde, non-party). The decision to close it will only come after the remains of the blown-up coal-fired power plant have been removed in the summer of 2026, a circumstance that is of great importance for the municipalities.

Consequences for the economy

Naturally, this situation raises concerns in the regional economy. In the Dresel industrial area, numerous companies, including freight forwarders and industrial companies, are severely affected by the truck diversion. The discussion about traffic cases and traffic planning is becoming even more important because mobility is crucial for economic and social development. The topic of the mobility transition is also gaining momentum, with the focus on new transport concepts and alternative means of transport in order to reduce motorized individual transport and increase the use of public transport, reports the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport.

The ministry supports various projects as part of the mFUND innovation initiative to advance sustainable urban and transport planning. “Avoidance, relocation, improvement” are central keywords that crop up again and again. Municipalities are required to plan and implement pedestrian zones and continuous cycle paths in order to sustainably improve mobility.

Criticism of communication

The communication between Straßen.NRW and the affected municipalities has often been criticized in the past. Experts have spoken publicly about the impending closure, but residents often felt they were not being adequately informed. It is important to optimize information policy in order to regain the trust of citizens and ensure transparent planning.

In summary, it can be said that the upcoming full closure of the B236 is an issue that not only affects traffic, but can also result in deeper cuts in regional economic structures. It remains to be hoped that those responsible will demonstrate a good hand in finding solutions and put the concerns of residents and companies at the forefront.

For further information: Come-on reports, BMDV information on Mobility transition.