Overview
- The Federal Transport Ministry said the new span can open significantly earlier than the previously targeted February 2026 date.
- Preparations in Berlin point to Saturday, December 20, as a potential opening day, though officials have not announced a fixed date and stress weather-dependent work.
- Autobahn GmbH says it is working at full speed on the traffic release and still lists February 2026 as the formal schedule pending reliable conditions.
- Contractors Habau, MCE and Bickhardt Bau plan a two-stage finish, enabling traffic now and completing the sealing in warmer months, likely requiring a short full closure.
- The reopening would end four years of disruption on a key north–south corridor after the old bridge was closed in December 2021 and demolished in spring 2023, easing pressure on Lüdenscheid and regional freight routes.