Recently built connections in Pelzerhaken and Rettin
Catchin' Waves: Rebuilding Pelzerhaken's Sea Bridge
The third bridge in the Lübeck Bay, Pelzerhaken's Seabridge, was recently added to the lineup on May 1st. Experts, politicians, and local officials agree that these watery connections are vital for tourism in the Schleswig-Holstein Baltic region, a smart move for the future. Given the deteriorating state of the current sea bridges, it's no surprise that Pelzerhaken is eager to jump on board.
Seabridges have been a hot topic for administration and politics in recent years, with committees regularly discussing repair measures and even considering new construction. Unfortunately, both the Neumünster and Pelzerhaken bridges have surpassed their lifespans. The Neumünster sea bridge has already been around for 30 years, and Pelzerhaken's is pushing 40. The bridges can't keep up much longer, so it's clear: new construction is the only solution.
Checking the Pulse
This spring's inspection confirmed the need for change. The Neumünster sea bridge was found to be in poor condition and is set to close soon. Essential repairs would cost €47,000 to maintain the structure for another couple of years. In Pelzerhaken, the situation is more critical. Rotten wood, thin piles eroded by weather, and severely rusted steel supports make it clear that repairs aren't a long-term solution. This time around, €57,000 would be needed to ensure short-term use.
Building for the Future
At the last meeting of the tourism committee, engineers unveiled designs for the new bridges. At first glance, not much seems to have changed. Both bridges will be constructed at their existing locations, and the gangways will remain similar. Upon closer inspection, some differences can be spotted: The western side arm towards the round harbor will be missing in Neumünster, and the bridge's head will face east, towards the beach chair, to improve the DLRG's supervision of bathers. The new bridge will also be 70 centimeters higher, providing better protection against storm surges and high water.
The Pelzerhaken design is based on the existing one but includes a boat dock with barrier-free access. There will also be smaller seating areas, niches, handrail lighting, a photo spot, and a love lock installation on both bridges.
Costs and Funding
The new bridges come with a hefty price tag, but they are cheaper than their counterparts in the Lübeck Bay. The Pelzerhaken sea bridge is estimated to cost €5.7 million, and the Neumünster sea bridge is planned at €3.7 million.
While the sea bridges are less expensive than their counterparts, the city still faces a significant own contribution due to strained funding pots and decreasing funding rates. Discussions about funding are ongoing.
Construction Timeline
The construction time for the new bridges is set at 12 months. Due to nature conservation reasons, work can only begin in the fall. The processing time for the funding application is approximately nine months, allowing for an earliest construction start in the fall of 2026. However, failure to secure funding would result in the city bearing the planning costs alone. The alternative is to wait a year, but this reduces the chances of receiving funding, as the pots are becoming empty.
Making the Call
Politicians are weighing the costs and benefits, factoring in the lifespan of the bridges and the effort required during construction, which would cause a temporary closing of the beach area for at least one season. Despite the challenges, the potential for increased tourism and the positive impact on the Baltic Sea region's image are strong points in favor of the new sea bridges. However, the city of Neustadt can't ignore the substantial contribution of at least 40%, which would mean cutting funds from other areas. The tourism contribution is also expected to increase by 0.50 euros. The final decision lies with the tourism committee, but it's clear that letting the sea bridges disappear isn't an option.
Stay tuned for updates on these exciting new projects! (ko)
Additional Insights:
The new sea bridges are expected to attract more tourists, contributing to the local economy. However, the estimated ownership contribution might mean reduced investment in other areas. To stay informed about the latest developments, follow official government websites, local news outlets, or contact the relevant authorities responsible for infrastructure development directly.
- The new Pelzerhaken sea bridge, when built, will offer enhanced outdoor living opportunities, featuring a boat dock with barrier-free access and smaller seating areas, fostering a homely and inviting ambiance in the home-and-garden setting of the beach area.
- The upcoming construction of new sea bridges in Pelzerhaken and Neumünster is part of a larger emphasis on lifestyle initiatives, encouraging outdoor living and enhancing the local infrastructure to attract more tourists, thereby boosting the local economy while providing an appealing image for the Baltic Sea region.
