Overview

• The €87 million project would rebuild 1.6 kilometers between Albertplatz and Stauffenbergallee over three years with wider tram spacing, partial dedicated track, continuous bike paths and the removal of about 122 trees.
• The building committee advised rejecting the blocking motion, setting up a decisive Stadtrat vote on Thursday on whether the expansion proceeds.
• Legal approval for variant 8.7 was granted last year without lawsuits, allowing construction to be scheduled for next summer.
• Opposing councillors from Piraten, Die Linke and Freie Bürger seek an in‑place renovation without widening, citing daily traffic falling to roughly 11,000 from 17,500 in 2016 and rallying support with tree‑cross actions and a petition of about 2,100 signatures.
• Baubürgermeister Stephan Kühn argues that only a full rebuild can provide barrier‑free tram stops, accommodate future Stadtbahn vehicles and replace decayed underground pipes.