City council launches third construction phase for Wüstenbrand-Küchwald cycle path
The city council today launched the third construction phase in the expansion of the Wüstenbrand-Küchwald premium cycle path. The third section will be built in two parts.
From August 2021, section 3.0 from Kalkstraße to Rudolf-Krahl-Straße will be implemented with a length of around 1.4 kilometres. Section 3.1 from Rudolf-Krahl-Straße to Paul-Jäkel-Straße will then follow on from this, although construction cannot begin until 2024 at the earliest due to the inclusion of planning funds in the 2023/2024 budget.
The planned asphalt surface of the four-metre-wide carriageway will enable comfortable and safe driving in all weathers. The rails and sleepers have been removed along the entire length of the former railway line. During the construction work, trees and bushes will also be cleared to create optimal lighting conditions along the route.
Structural measures are required on the four existing bridges in section 3.0: the bridges will be fitted with a carriageway slab that will allow a carriageway width of 3.8 metres at these points. In addition, fall protection and structural drainage will be installed or repaired. The existing natural stone masonry will be retained but will be cleaned, loose areas will be repaired and graffiti protection will be applied.
The access road on Rudolf-Krahl-Straße will be permanently upgraded for rescue, construction and maintenance vehicles as a replacement for the new bridge over the Pleißenbach. This direct connection to Limbacher Straße will thus serve both as a temporary access road for the further construction of the subsequent section 3.1 in the area of the "Altendorf framework plan", as well as for the cycle path and the future development of the Pleißenbach stream.
Section 3.0 is expected to be completed in September 2022. A total of almost 3.1 million euros has been budgeted for this. In addition to the construction costs, this also includes land acquisition and planning.
The implementation of the decision is subject to the 2021/22 budget still to be adopted and the approval of the funding applied for.
Background to the Wüstenbrand-Küchwald cycle path
With the acquisition of the former Küchwald-Wüstenbrand railway line in October 2018, planning for its subsequent use as a cycle path was accelerated. The preliminary planning of the so-called premium cycle path on the 13.6 kilometre* long former railway line is divided into four main sections. The route allows for a cycle path with a width of four metres, which is above the recommended minimum of 2.50 metres.
By implementing the overall measure, the south-west, north and ring routes of the city of Chemnitz's cycle network will be connected to the planned cycle path. This means that cycle traffic can be routed from Hohenstein-Ernstthal to Chemnitz independently of the public traffic area - one of the criteria for a premium cycle path. The cycle path will create a safe and attractive centre-west connection for cyclists.
* amended on 16 October 2025