Brandenburg’s Minister of Infrastructure Advocates for Completion of Autobahn 14
Wittenberge, Germany – Detlef Tabbert, Brandenburg’s Minister of Infrastructure, has expressed strong support for the continuation of the Autobahn 14 (A14) construction project within the state. During a recent visit to the A14 construction site in Wittenberge, Tabbert stated, "It would be unreasonable not to build the missing sections."
Brandenburg Government’s Commitment
Tabbert assured that the Brandenburg state government will engage in negotiations with the federal government to secure funding for the completion of the entire A14. "The A14 is of utmost priority for us, for the state of Brandenburg," he emphasized. "For the Prignitz region, it is crucial that its citizens are swiftly connected to the Autobahn network."
Current Status and Planned Developments
The northern extension of the A14 between Saxony-Anhalt and the Baltic Sea remains incomplete. While the section from Magdeburg to Lüderitz in Saxony-Anhalt has been finalized, the further construction through Stendal, Osterburg, and Wittenberge to Karstädt in Brandenburg is still pending.
Presently, the new Elbe Bridge in Wittenberge is under construction. The bridge, approximately 1.1 kilometers in length and costing around €182 million, will be completed in April, according to the Deutsche Einheit Fernstraßenplanungs- und -bau GmbH (Deges). The bridge is expected to be fully operational by spring 2024.
According to Holger Behrmann, Deges’ Divisional Head, there are no obstacles to the Autobahn’s continued construction. "There is nothing left to do in terms of planning. Now it’s just a matter of taking action," Behrmann remarked.
Concerns and Expectations
However, recent speculation about a potential construction halt has surfaced due to the absence of a federal budget and potential federal cost-cutting measures. The continuation of the project relies solely on federal funding.
Christian Müller, District Administrator of Prignitz, expressed his apprehension regarding these reports. "I remain confident in the commitments made by federal policymakers and anticipate the completion of the A14 as a continuous roadway," he stated. The Autobahn, he emphasized, is a vital artery for Prignitz businesses and the entire northwestern region of Brandenburg.
Significance and Funding
The northern extension of the A14 from Magdeburg through Wittenberge to Schwerin is the most extensive federal highway project in eastern Germany, totaling approximately €1.7 billion in construction costs.
