A49 finally finished: Autobahn creates new connections and ensures protests!

A49 finally finished: Autobahn creates new connections and ensures protests!

On Friday, March 21, 2025, a significant step in the expansion of the traffic infrastructure in Hesse was carried out: The last section of the A49 motorway was officially released. This approximately 31-kilometer route connects Schwalmstadt with the Ohmtal triangle near Homberg/Ohm and thus closes one of the last gaps in this important traffic axis. With the completion of the A49, a total length of 87 kilometers can now be accounted for, which the region better connects to Kassel as well as the cities of Gießen and Frankfurt.

The release of the last section is not only a technical achievement, but also a relief for the highly frequented motorways A7 and A5. Forecasts indicate that up to 35,000 vehicles will use the new section every day, with about 30% of which will be heavy -duty. The use of this highway shortens the route between Kassel and Gießen by 13 kilometers, even if the journey time is only slightly shortened.

controversial construction and protests

The completion of the A49 was controversial for decades. In particular, questions about environmental pollution and corresponding protests shaped the discussion. Critics pointed out the forest to be found in the Dannenröder Forst, where massive demonstrations and police operations could be observed in 2020. The motorway expansion was sometimes referred to by environmentalists as an ecological crime, since 85 hectares of forest were lost.

Minister of Economics Kaweh Mansori described the gap closure as a profit for the region and emphasized the improved connection. A ceremony for the traffic release was celebrated in Stadtallendorf with around 400 guests, while a “funeral train” for nature took place. Around 100 demonstrators, organized by the network "Tatort A49 - Danni lives!", Criticized the construction of the motorway section. The protest ended with a symbolic body feast.

technical details and economic aspects

Solid amounts of material were used for the construction of the new section: 4.1 million cubic meters of earth were moved, 163,000 cubic meters of concrete and 240,000 tons of asphalt were processed. The section of the motorway is characterized by a curvy, wavy profile and comprises six valley bridges, four junctions as well as a parking lot with sanitary facilities and a motorway master.

Despite technical challenges and the past sabotage files during the construction phase, the section was opened on Friday night. However, there was a short -term block on Friday afternoon after two people abseiled from a bridge. An urgent application of an action community to prevent commissioning was rejected by the Gießen Administrative Court, which ultimately made approval possible.

The construction and operating costs for the A49 in the next 30 years will be estimated at around 1.45 billion euros. In the long term, the end of the gap of the A49 could not only improve the traffic situation, but also set economic impulses for the region.