Friedrichstrasse in Lippstadt: Reconstruction after a devastating tornado!

Friedrichstrasse in Lippstadt: Reconstruction after a devastating tornado!

On January 31, 2025, the city of Lippstadt in North Rhine-Westphalia is in full swing to heal its wounds after a devastating Tornado, which was moving through the city center almost three years ago. The intensive storm, which was looking for the region in the afternoon of January 31, 2022, left immense damage. According to Tagesschau , more than 1,000 trees were killed, including 85 directly on Friedrichstrasse, which once one of the most beautiful avenues in the city was, decorated with chestnuts and oaks.

The destruction was devastating, and resident Brigitte Reich remembers the emotional state immediately after the tornado. It describes how particularly sad it was to find the home so much changed and damaged. Friedrichstraße is now being rebuilt, investments of around one million euros are planned for the restoration and maintenance of the green areas.

reconstruction of Friedrichstrasse

The city administration has clear plans for Friedrichstrasse: 85 new trees are to be planted, supplemented by small paths to the Lippe. These measures are part of a more comprehensive redesign that should take a year. In addition to the greening of the street, new wastewater pipes are also laid and traffic routing is changed. Parts of the street are to be transformed into a bicycle road to win back the special character of the avenue.

The damage caused by the tornado is not only limited to Lippstadt. The storm met several regions in Westphalia with great strength. In Paderborn, just a few kilometers away, the same Tornado also destroyed many buildings. As WDR , a total of around 50 million euros in damage in Lippstadt were estimated, while the Paderborner city government with 43 injured and continuously unfinished roofing work has.

long -term perspectives

resident Brigitte Reich is pleased with the planned measures, but is aware that it may take decades for the avenue to shine again in its old splendor. The emotional and financial aspects of this reconstruction are immense. Not only the restoration of the infrastructure is on the agenda, but also the memory of the destruction and the associated feelings must be processed.

The city of Lippstadt and its residents are determined to create a new, lively environment from the ruins, which reflects both its history and its future. The outstanding photo book "30 seconds" by Liza Vicol Günther documents the changes in the cityscape and is considered an important part of this process.