As a result of the feasibility studies, a high demand potential was identified for a high-speed cycle link between the cities of Braunschweig, Salzgitter and Wolfenbüttel and proposals for technical implementation in the form of a route for this high-speed cycle link were developed. On the basis of these initial studies, the three cities have concluded a coordination and cooperation agreement with the regional association on the planning of a corresponding high-speed cycle link in order to promote inter-communal cycling.
The next step is now the concrete planning of the high-speed cycle link between the cities involved. Firstly, the exact route is to be determined and the specific design of the high-speed cycle link defined. This task will be carried out by a specialist planning office for high-speed cycle connections in collaboration with other specialist planners and experts. Preliminary environmental studies on the potential impact of a high-speed cycle link were already carried out in 2023 and 2024. The results of these preliminary studies are very helpful for the upcoming consideration process for the specific route of the high-speed cycle link.
The planning and implementation of the planned high-speed cycle link between the participating cities of Braunschweig, Salzgitter and Wolfenbüttel is considerably more complex than a conventional cycle path, if only because of its length of approx. 18 km. Many parameters will have to be taken into account during the planning process and a large number of proposals and arguments will have to be weighed up against each other. In order to make this process as transparent as possible, the local authorities involved have decided to carry out an early public participation process. The starting point for this early public participation will be a joint kick-off event on January 24, 2025, 6 p.m., in Braunschweig, Volkswagenhalle. Following this joint kick-off event, citizens will be able to submit their suggestions and proposals at further events in the participating municipalities. These will then be incorporated into the further planning process. The aim is to achieve the greatest possible transparency in the complex planning process and to work towards a consensus-based preferred option for the planned high-speed cycle link. This will then form the basis for further concrete design planning, which will also form the basis for the statutory approval and participation procedures.
With costs currently estimated at 24 million euros, the planned infrastructure measure represents a major financial challenge for all municipalities involved. Funding from the federal government is therefore a key element in financing the overall project. The funding decision from the responsible Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure with a funding rate of 75% for planning and construction has now been received. The aim is to complete the high-speed cycle link between the cities of Braunschweig, Salzgitter and Wolfenbüttel by the end of 2030.
Background information:
High-speed cycle connections contribute to the transport transition and climate protection. They reduce travel times by bike or pedelec to less than or equal to those by car. To this end, the high-speed cycle connections are built in such a way that time lost by stopping at traffic junctions, slow journeys due to insufficient road widths, poor road surfaces and gradients are avoided.