Second Rhine bridge project advances after federal approval

The German federal government has approved revised planning documents for the construction of a second Rhine bridge connecting Wörth and Karlsruhe. This approval allows the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg to initiate necessary supplementary building permit procedures.

The updated plans address previous legal challenges and include critical details such as the placement of bridge pillars, the addition of pedestrian and cycling paths, and a connection to the B 36 road. The total project cost is estimated at approximately 475 million euros, which will be funded by the federal government, with 149 million euros specifically allocated to the bridge itself.

Ground investigations are expected to begin in early 2026, with construction potentially starting as early as 2029. Local officials, including Germersheim District Administrator Martin Brandl, have welcomed the progress, noting that the existing 1966 bridge is heavily congested and causes significant delays for commuters and the regional economy.