Construction work consuming resources at Dresden's largest road infrastructure project
The city of Dresden is currently undergoing a significant construction project on Wehlener Straße, Alttolkewitz, and Österreicher Straße, with the aim to complete the renovation by the end of December 2025 [1]. The project, which started in March 2024, involves a 1.9 km stretch being dug up to a depth of up to 7 meters.
The comprehensive renovation includes the installation of new drinking water and wastewater pipes, electricity, gas, telecommunications, traffic lights, street lighting, wider tracks for city railway cars, wider sidewalks, and new bike paths. The project also includes the creation of barrier-free tram stops at Wasserwerk, Alttolkewitz, Hermann-Seidel-Straße, and Leubener Straße.
The total budget for the project is approximately 42 million euros, with the City of Dresden contributing around 8.8 million euros. Funding is supported by the Free State of Saxony and the federal government through the 2013 Reconstruction Aid Fund. The project cost is largely within the planned budget, with any additional expenses estimated to be in the low single-digit percentage range relative to the contract sum [1].
In terms of traffic impact, the city administration has evaluated detour routes which have proven mostly effective. Adjustments have been made, such as changes in traffic flow on Donathstraße and improved parking options along the renovated sections of Wehlener Straße and Österreicher Straße to ease the burden on local residents [1].
The construction is being performed by the joint venture ARGE Wehlener Straße Dresden, comprising Wolff & Müller Tief- und Straßenbau GmbH & Co. KG, EUROVIA Verkehrsbau GmbH, and STRABAG AG, covering street, track, and civil engineering work [1]. Site manager Ronald Piehl reports an average of 40 to 60 construction workers on site.
As part of the project, some of the construction work is addressing flood damage from 2013. After the renovation, there will be new bike lanes or protected bike lanes on the Wehlener Straße up to the Wasserwerk Tolkewitz stop. Completed sections of the Wehlener Straße from Schlömilchstraße to Alttolkewitz and from Salzburger Straße to Zur Bleiche have been approved.
Mayor of Construction Stephan Kühn states that the construction is on schedule, and a central complaint management system has been in place for residents to report issues. A price increase "in the low, single-digit percentage range" is expected in the final accounting, according to the city administration. Work is still ongoing on the section from Alttolkewitz to include Niederpoyritzer Straße and from Tauernstraße to Leubener Straße.
[1] Source: City of Dresden, Press Release, March 2024.
The technology sector has expressed interest in the progress of the general-news project in Dresden, as it involves the installation of new telecommunications and traffic lighting systems. The construction project, which includes creating barrier-free tram stops and new bike lanes, is expected to impact the city's traffic flow and local residents, with detour routes being evaluated by the city administration.
