Pause for a moment here at the Gustav-Esche-Brücke II. It’s more than just a way to cross the Nahle. It’s a story of nature versus progress. This bridge embodies a struggle.
Gustav-Esche-Brücke II stands in Leipzig’s protected Auwald forest. Its construction sparked controversy. The project involved significant changes to the Auwald. These changes were not initially seen as compatible with nature protection.
In October 2022, the Initiative Stadtnatur requested a review. They questioned the project’s compliance with nature conservation laws. In February 2023, they expanded their inquiry. The Landesdirektion Sachsen confirmed their concerns were valid.
A consultant hired by the city incorrectly assessed the environmental impact. They downplayed the clearing of a century-old forest. This clearing should have been recognized as significantly harming a protected habitat. The city’s lower nature conservation authority approved the assessment. Initiative Stadtnatur criticized this approval. They claimed it ignored necessary nature conservation considerations. The city failed to involve nature conservation associations. Such involvement was legally required.
A similar situation arose with Gustav-Esche-Brücke I. It is located over the Neue Luppe, north of here. A biased assessment was prepared and approved by the same authority. This authority should have opposed the project on environmental grounds.
In early 2023, the city council planned to decide on Gustav-Esche-Brücke I’s reconstruction. The cost was estimated at 13.4 million euros. The proposal was withdrawn. Fortunately, the Stadtnatur Initiative says the intervention in nature had not yet taken place.
The forest destruction for a detour during construction had already happened. However, the Landesdirektion finally announced its review results. The review found the lower nature conservation authority’s approval questionable.
After the Green Party requested a redesign in April, the city withdrew its proposal. The city stated the submission was withdrawn and completed. Completion of new expert documents for Gustav-Esche-Brücke I is expected in 2025. New flora and fauna surveys are necessary.
Construction is unlikely before 2027. The Stadtnatur Initiative estimates significant forest impact requires a special exemption process. A permitable design might appear by 2026. A construction and financing decision can only follow. Construction might start in autumn 2027.
This case shows construction delays occur when firms produce biased reports. These reports ignore significant impacts. The lower nature conservation authority unlawfully grants approvals.
Axel Schmoll of Initiative Stadtnatur says bridge repairs are necessary. However, they must respect nature conservation laws. He says this isn’t the first instance of the authority failing to meet its obligations.
Wiebke Engelsing from Initiative Stadtnatur commented on the forest damage. Massive tree felling occurred in 2022. The Landesdirektion Sachsen confirmed the environmental damage they identified. She says this must be consistently punished and the damage adequately restored.
The SBB Nord pressured the city to recognize the urgency of Gustav-Esche-Brücke I’s renovation. They urged the city council to make a construction and financing decision quickly. The city had to reject this request. Construction wasn’t allowed under the circumstances.
The city is building the Gustav-Esche-Brücke anew. This is the second bridge replacement in the northwest. Both bridges were in poor condition. Repair was not economically feasible. The Gustav-Esche-Brücke I will also be renewed. The city wants to maintain traffic flow between Leutzsch and Wahren.
The Gustav-Esche-Strasse is a main road. It connects the Auwald and Auensee recreation areas. An average of 22470 vehicles are expected in 2030. Bus line 80 runs every 20 minutes. The Gustav-Esche-Brücke was built in 1930. A recent inspection showed it was heavily damaged. There is already a load restriction. The bridge’s shotcrete shell is partly cracked. The reinforcement is rusting. The substructure is damp. Heavy use has worn the structure. The bridge’s traffic safety is no longer guaranteed.
The new bridge will have a prestressed concrete frame. It will be supported on one side. This design eliminates the need for piers in the Luppe. This allows a wider flow. The crossing is in the Leipziger Auwald landscape and bird reserve.
Traffic will be routed over a temporary bridge and ramps east of the Gustav-Esche-Strasse during construction. Impact on the protected areas of the sensitive natural area will be minimized. Parking areas and paths at Haus Auensee can be used. Only a few large trees need to be felled here. The new building should be completed in spring 2026. The Leutzsch-Wahrener bridge over the Nahle must also be renewed from next year.