Overview

• Parliamentary State Secretary Christian Hirte announced at the A45 citizens’ festival near Rastplatz Hunscheid that traffic is expected to resume in February 2026.
• The target advances earlier projections that moved from summer 2026 to spring 2026 as construction accelerated.
• Hirte warned that adverse weather could delay sealing, paving and other final steps needed before the bridge can carry vehicles.
• Workers recently completed concreting the first bridge half, with remaining tasks including waterproofing, two-layer asphalt, edge elements, guardrails, signage and markings.
• The first completed structure is planned to carry two-way traffic initially, offering relief to Lüdenscheid after prolonged detours and economic losses estimated at well over €1 billion.