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Bat-Protection Deal Clears Way for A20 Build Near Bad Segeberg

A €14 million state-funded bat‑protection foundation underpins the settlement, enabling tendering now with construction targeted for early 2026.

Overview

  • Environmental group BUND will withdraw its lawsuit against the 10‑kilometre WeedeWittenborn section, removing the last legal barrier to construction.
  • The agreement establishes a Landesstiftung for bat protection with €14 million and adds measures for Trave hang forests, rare tufa springs, otter safeguards, closures of sensitive areas, and permanent 60 km/h enforcement on parts of A20/A21.
  • Project manager DEGES plans to start procurement shortly and aims to begin building in the first half of 2026.
  • Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder said financing will be arranged once final building law is in place, noting €3 billion earmarked in a special infrastructure fund and the need for budget approval.
  • Updated federal reporting puts overall A20 costs at about €8.5 billion, drawing opposition criticism over taxpayer burden, while local officials project major traffic relief through Bad Segeberg.