CDU Mainz Advocates Gonsenheimer Model for Extension A 643 - Autobahn GmbH Evaluates New Version Lacking Required Exemption
The European Union's environmental commission has dealt a blow to plans for a six-lane expansion of the A643 from Mainz to Wiesbaden. The rejection, which overturned more than ten years of planning, has sparked a flurry of activity and new proposals.
The key issue at hand is the compatibility of the six-lane expansion with the FFH nature reserve "Mainzer Sand". The EU commission cited insufficient compatibility testing, insufficient compensation measures, and insufficient testing of alternatives for the six-lane expansion as reasons for the rejection.
Thomas Gerster, the chairman of the Mainz CDU, continues to demand a six-lane expansion for the A643, stating that the regional traffic infrastructure in Mainz needs to catch up to the 21st century. However, the CDU city councilor Torsten Roher proposes a "Gonsenheim model" for reducing the surface area of the expansion, potentially making a three- or six-lane expansion possible with less space required than the 4+2 solution.
The "Gonsenheim model" is reminiscent of plans presented by the Landesbetrieb Mobilität in Rhineland-Palatinate in 2019, showing a significantly reduced middle lane that created space for six lanes plus an emergency lane and noise barrier. If even more lanes are removed, the space requirement would be even smaller, suggesting options for the Autobahn GmbH to solve the conflict about the expansion.
The SPD and the Mainz Greens have rejoiced at the decision, seeing it as a victory for nature conservation. Economics Minister Schmitt has criticized the "blockade policy" of the EU regarding the stopped expansion of A643 near Mainz and demands a commitment from the federal government.
The approach bridge of the A643 is dilapidated and urgently needs to be renewed. Even for a 4+2 solution, the highway must be widened. The Federal Highway Company is currently checking the compatibility of the variant with the avoidance of impairment of protected habitat types demanded by the EU commission.
The CDU Mainz insists on the expansion of the A643 and proposes a "Gonsenheim model" for reducing the surface area. The alliance "Don't set anything in the (Mainz) sand" has demanded that the expansion plans be put on ice. The Autobahn GmbH remains silent about the details of the new variant, stating that a more detailed evaluation of the EU KOM's statement will take some time with such a complex project.
Rohe urges for clarity on the matter and against the stalemate continuing. The responsibility now lies with the Federal Ministry of Transport and the Autobahn GmbH to find a way to make an expansion possible and obtain the approval of the EU Commission. Gerster warns that the dilapidated Mombacher Vorland bridge has already led to first traffic restrictions since last year.
In summary, the 4+2 variant of the A643 expansion, which required an exemption permit for non-standard lane usage, has been rejected by the EU. The proposed variant without an exemption permit aims for standard, permanent lane arrangements to comply fully with existing regulations. The Autobahn GmbH is currently examining another variant with even less relevant surface area, for which no exemption permit would be required. The fate of the A643 expansion remains uncertain as both sides continue to push for their respective agendas.
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