CDU Mainz Suggests Gonsenheimer Model for Extension A 643 - Autobahn GmbH Trials New Version Without Necessary Exemption Approval
The European Union's environmental commission has rejected plans for a six-lane expansion of the A643 from Mainz to Wiesbaden, citing insufficient compatibility testing, inadequate compensatory measures, and inadequate examination of alternatives for the proposed expansion.
In response, the Federal Highway Authority is considering a variant with a 4+2 solution - a highway with 4 lanes and temporary use of the shoulder lanes in case of high traffic. This solution is considered by the EU as a suitable minimization of the impact on the protected area. The Authority is also examining a further solution with even less surface requirement than the 4+2 variant.
Thomas Gerster, Chairman of the Mainz CDU, continues to demand a six-lane expansion for the A643, while Torsten Roher, CDU city councillor and CDU candidate in the Mainz state election, proposes a "Gonsenheim model" for reducing the surface area and potentially allowing a three- or six-lane expansion. This model resembles plans presented by the Landesbetrieb Mobilität in Rhineland-Palatinate in 2019, which showed a significantly reduced middle lane for six lanes plus hard shoulder and noise barrier.
Minister of Economics Schmitt has criticized the "blockade policy" of the EU and demanded a commitment from the federal government regarding the stopped expansion of A643 near Mainz. Gerster emphasizes that an expressway connecting two state capitals should be adequately expanded, and that the regional traffic infrastructure in Mainz needs to catch up to the 21st century.
The responsibility for finding a solution now lies with the Federal Ministry of Transport and the Autobahn GmbH. The Autobahn GmbH remains silent about the details of the new variant for the A643 expansion.
The SPD and Mainz Greens are rejoicing, while the alliance "No to the (Mainz) Sand" demands that the expansion plans be put on ice. Roher urges for clarity and an end to the stalemate regarding the A643 expansion.
Gerster also warns about the first restrictions for traffic due to the dilapidated Mombacher Vorland bridge. If the compatibility of the further developed variant with the avoidance of impairment of protected habitat types is given, no exemption permit would be required.
As the situation develops, it is advisable to consult official communications from the German Federal Highway Authority (Bundesautobahn) or recent local government announcements for detailed and up-to-date information on this topic.
- The Federal Ministry of Transport and the Autobahn GmbH are under pressure to find a solution for the A643 expansion, considering the EU's rejection of the six-lane plan and the need for a minimized impact on the protected area.
- In light of the EU's objections, the Federal Highway Authority is exploring a 4+2 solution and another variant with even less surface requirement for the A643 expansion.
- Thomas Gerster, Chairman of the Mainz CDU, is advocating for a six-lane expansion of the A643 and suggests considering the "Gonsenheim model" which could potentially allow for a three- or six-lane expansion.
- The issue of A643 expansion is causing controversy, with environmental groups such as the SPD and Mainz Greens rejoicing at the EU's rejection of the six-lane plan, while groups like "No to the (Mainz) Sand" demand a halt to the expansion plans altogether.
