City of Chemnitz does not approve Deutsche Bahn's planning approval procedure
At a special meeting of the Planning, Construction and Environment Committee, the City of Chemnitz presented its position on the planning approval procedure of Deutsche Bahn Netz AG for the expansion of the Karlsruhe - Stuttgart - Nuremberg - Leipzig/Dresden line. "The city does not agree with Deutsche Bahn's current plans. In principle, the upgrading of the railway line in the urban curve through Chemnitz is regarded as essential and is extremely welcome. This measure represents an indispensable contribution to improving the rail infrastructure in the region," says Mayor of Construction Michael Stötzer. "However, if the project is only realised as planned, the cityscape will be permanently impaired and severely damaged in some areas."
Background: The extension of the Karlsruhe - Stuttgart - Nuremberg - Leipzig/Dresden line is to be realised via Chemnitz, which is very much welcomed. However, the five railway bridges in Chemnitz over which the line is to pass are to be replaced by new concrete structures. For the extension of the line from Karlsruhe to Saxony, the route section from Chemnitz main station to Chemnitz-Kappel is to be rebuilt or renewed, including the renovation or renewal of the engineering structures, noise prevention measures and renewal of the overhead line systems over a total length of 2,800 metres. The planned implementation period is from 2018 to 2022.
This includes the replacement of the railway overpasses on Augustusburger Straße, Bernsdorfer Straße, Stollberger Straße, Reichenhainer Straße and the Chemnnitztal viaduct over Annaberger Straße. This project is unacceptable for the city. "The documents do not contain any alternative variants that envisage the preservation of the bridges. The protected asset 'landscape' will be significantly disturbed by the demolition of the listed bridges and the planned replacement with new buildings. The demolition will also destroy the habitats of the animal species found there. The listed bridge structures must be preserved," says Michael Stötzer.
In the case of the Chemnitz Valley Viaduct, which is at the centre of the public debate, the city is questioning Deutsche Bahn's cost estimate. According to DB AG, a new construction of the monument would cost 12.3 million euros, a renovation 20.3 million euros. An expert opinion from the city revealed that a new building would cost around 18.6 to 24.4 million euros and a refurbishment around 17 to 18 million euros. In addition, the Chemnitz Valley viaduct has a decisive influence on the cityscape. The combination of a busy main arterial road with a tram line as part of the Chemnitz model, the parallel flowing Chemnitz river and the terrain running down to the city park as well as the location in a long curve create a unique backdrop of urban and individual quality. For this reason, the City of Chemnitz believes that there is no alternative to preserving the historic bridge structure.