Refurbishment of the bike path B 3 between Bensheim and Heppenheim starts!

Refurbishment of the bike path B 3 between Bensheim and Heppenheim starts!

The cyclists and pedestrians in the region can look forward to: from next week the repair of the walking and cycle path along the B 3 between Bensheim and Heppenheim will begin. According to Hessen.de hessen.de, the actual construction work begins on Monday, July 21, 2023, and should last until spring 2026. On the occasion of this comprehensive measure, residents and cyclists expect some changes in the flow of traffic.

The preparatory work include the repair of potholes and an alignment of the road that should make the cycle path more secure and more comfortable. In order to regulate the flow of traffic during the construction phase, the roundabout at Heppenheim is blocked on one side, so that the entrance and exit into the "Gunderlache" will no longer be possible. In these times, road users on the B 3 have to count on a traffic light that leads the traffic accordingly. Depirtions are clearly signposted and lead foot and bike traffic over the surrounding network of economic roads.

Details on the construction work

The work itself is divided into seven construction phases and require a winter break in between, in which the bike path can be operated without diversion. The planned fundamental renovation aims to offer a long -term solution and to protect the roots of the surrounding trees that have already caused damage to the asphalt. It is planned to install the bike path with a structure of around 28 centimeters above the previous inventory. While heavily damaged sections are being renovated in concrete construction, the rest of the route is intended in asphalt construction.

Important attention is also paid to access. Before the access, the bike path is lowered to the level of the inventory over 15 to 20 meters. The total construction costs amount to a whopping 920,000 euros, whereby this sum is financed by the federal government. Such investments not only improve the infrastructure, but also increase security for users.

context for cycling infrastructure

The importance of bicycle traffic is growing in our region, as is the [FGSV] (https://www.fgsv.de/netzwerk/gremien/ag-3-verkehrsmanagement/31-strassenbetriebsdienst/3116- Betrieb-auf-radverkehrlitung). In a current document, it is emphasized that the existing standards and regulations for the operating service should be further specified and summarized on bike paths. This measure supports the life cycle of cycling systems and includes important aspects such as cleaning and maintenance. The organization and technical equipment of the operating service will also be adapted to the increased requirements, so that cyclists can continue to be safe and comfortable in the future.

While in Lower Saxony on other sections of the B 3 as with Alfeld-where the remediation of damages on the bike path were carried out between 2nd and 18th July 2023 Lower Saxony Traffic facilities for pedestrians and cyclists have to be worked on, a uniform trend for promoting cycling.

Overall, the region will look forward to modernized and significantly improved cycle path conditions. All users are invited to pay attention to the diversions and to pay patience during the construction period. After all, we all benefit from a sustainable, more comfortable and secure cycling infrastructure.