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Deal Ends A20 Deadlock Near Bad Segeberg as BUND Drops Suit for Bat Safeguards

The agreement trades the lawsuit for a €14 million bat‑protection foundation, removing the last legal obstacle to tendering with a targeted 2026 start.

Overview

  • BUND will withdraw its case against the 10‑kilometre WeedeWittenborn permit, ending the immediate judicial blockade on this section.
  • Schleswig‑Holstein will endow a €14 million state foundation for bat protection and commit to measures including Trave slope‑forest and tufa‑spring protection, an otter passage, restricted access in the Travetal, and permanent enforcement of a 60 km/h limit on relevant stretches.
  • Project manager DEGES plans EU procurement steps and is aiming to begin construction in the first half of 2026, now that the section is considered construction‑ready.
  • Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder said funding will be released once binding building rights are in place, with additional federal special funds earmarked for ready projects.
  • Authorities cite major local relief, with roughly 20,000 fewer vehicles expected through Bad Segeberg each day, while broader A20 completion costs are now estimated at about €8.5 billion and around a tenth of the local bypass costs relate to environmental provisions.