EU rejects six-lane extension of A643 close to Mainz; proposes alternative 4+2 lane solution - Future remains in doubt
The European Union's Environmental Directorate has dealt a blow to plans for a six-lane expansion of the A643 motorway between Mainz-Gonsenheim and Mainz-Mombach. This decision has been welcomed by environmental associations, the SPD, and the Greens in Mainz, who argue that a six-lane expansion is not sensible and further damages a nature reserve of European importance.
The A643 is an important mobility and commuter route connecting Mainz, Rheinhessen, and adjacent regions with Wiesbaden and the Rhine-Main area. The six-lane expansion was initially agreed upon in 2010 by Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, with the aim of rebuilding the Schiersteiner Bridge and expanding it to six lanes to cope with increased commuter flows.
However, the EU's rejection of the six-lane expansion is mainly justified by three points: insufficient FFH nature reserve compatibility test, inadequate compensation measures, and insufficiently carried out alternative test. Critics argue that the very high noise barriers block the wind, from which the Mainz steppe landscape lives - smaller noise barriers could help with the problem.
The LBM (Landesbetrieb Mobilität Rheinland-Pfalz) had presented detailed plans for a six-lane expansion in 2018, which envisioned a very narrow width with a noise barrier and a wide green bridge for animals and plants. The LBM clarified that even for a 4+2 solution, new construction is required in the Mainz sand, with the difference between the two variants being only around 3,000 square meters - and most of that lies outside the FFH area.
Andreas Kowol, Wiesbaden's traffic commissioner, had previously emphasized that the six-lane expansion of the A643 is necessary as an extension of the six-lane Schiersteiner Bridge, to avoid city traffic struggles and maintain the Autobahn ring's advantage for Mainz. However, the EU Commission sent a letter to the federal government and the responsible mobility authority in Worms stating that they are currently unable to issue a positive opinion on the six-lane expansion of the A643.
Stefanie Gorges, chairwoman of the Mombach Greens, and her colleague Ansgar Helm-Becker are proud that their efforts and those of many involved associations and organizations have finally paid off in preventing the six-lane expansion. The EU proposes an expansion according to the 4+2 variant for the A643 motorway, which may offer a compromise between the need for infrastructure development and the protection of the environment.
As of the latest available information, there is no official confirmation that the six-lane expansion of the A643 has been definitively stopped. For those seeking a definitive and up-to-date status, it is recommended to check official releases from the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, the local Rhineland-Palatinate government, or statements from the EU Directorate-General for Environment. Local news outlets in Mainz may also provide recent updates on this project.
- The European Union's Environmental Directorate has questioned the sensibility of the six-lane expansion in the A643 motorway, citing insufficient FFH nature reserve compatibility, inadequate compensation measures, and inadequate alternative tests.
- Critics argue that the high noise barriers for the proposed six-lane expansion could potentially block the wind, an essential factor for the Mainz steppe landscape, with smaller noise barriers as a potential solution.
- The EU Commission has recently indicated that they are unable to issue a positive opinion on the six-lane expansion of the A643, potentially offering a 4+2 variant as a compromise between infrastructure development and environmental protection.
- In response to the EU's decision, Stefanie Gorges, chairwoman of the Mombach Greens, and fellow environmental advocates are hopeful that their efforts have prevented the six-lane expansion, aiming to strike a balance between progress and nature conservation.
