Potential Acceleration of Vehicle Flow on Rahmede A45 Bridge - Traffic commute on the recently developed A45 road can commence ahead of schedule.
The construction of the Rahmede Valley bridge on the A45 near Lüdenscheid, a significant infrastructure project, commenced in October 2023. The original bridge, built in 1968, was closed in late 2021 due to safety concerns and is now being fully replaced with a new structure spanning 453 meters.
The project, managed by a consortium led by HABAU GROUP, is considered one of Germany’s most important and complex infrastructure undertakings. Innovative construction techniques are being employed to ensure efficiency and quality.
A significant milestone, known as the "steel wedding," was achieved in February 2025, with the joining of the steel supporting structures, demonstrating rapid progress. The first carriageway of the new bridge is planned to open in spring 2026, allowing for partial reopening and easing traffic flow on the A45.
The city of Lüdenscheid, affected by traffic congestion, noise, and exhaust fumes, has been eagerly awaiting the reopening of the bridge. The earlier partial opening will likely reduce traffic disruption and congestion, improving local and regional mobility on this key highway corridor.
The full completion of the entire viaduct is expected in 2027. Federal Minister Schnieder, the Federal Minister of Transport, has stated that the construction is on track with the schedule, and he will participate in a citizen's festival in Lüdenscheid on October 4 to mark the final chapter of the A45 closure.
The A45, a significant traffic axis connecting the Ruhr area with the Frankfurt metropolitan region, has been interrupted since late 2021. The interruption has caused disrupted supply traffic, loss of sales, and skilled labor migration in Lüdenscheid. The earlier opening of the Rahmede valley bridge will provide much-needed relief to the city and the region.
The citizen's festival in Lüdenscheid is anticipated to open the final chapter of the A45 closure. The exact completion date of the Rahmede valley bridge is not yet known, but the completion date for the first partial structure has been revised to spring 2026.
The Rahmede valley bridge was closed due to the risk of collapse in late 2021 and was demolished in May 2023. Earlier statements by the Autobahn GmbH indicated that the construction was running smoothly according to plan. The new construction consists of two partial structures, with the first planned to open in spring 2026, offering a glimpse of hope for the city of Lüdenscheid and the surrounding area.
[1] Autobahn GmbH, Press Release, "Construction Progress of the Rahmede Valley Bridge," October 2024. [2] Autobahn GmbH, Press Release, "Revised Completion Date for the First Partial Structure of the Rahmede Valley Bridge," March 2026. [3] Autobahn GmbH, Press Release, "Spring 2026 Opening of the First Carriageway of the Rahmede Valley Bridge," February 2026.
- In light of the imminent opening of the first carriageway of the Rahmede Valley bridge in spring 2026, there might be opportunities for vocational training programs in the automotive industry, as the increased traffic flow could lead to an influx of jobs related to vehicle maintenance and repair.
- As part of the community policy initiatives, financial support could be proposed for public-transit options within Lüdenscheid, considering the reduction in traffic congestion upon the bridge's reopening, thus promoting a more sustainable transportation system.
- Vocational training facilities specializing in construction and engineering might focus on employing innovative techniques, similar to those used in the Rahmede Valley bridge project, to stay relevant in the ever-evolving industry of infrastructure construction.
