“We had planned for eight weeks and were finished after six and a half weeks. That’s quite an achievement, especially given the challenging conditions we faced here,” said Dahlen at the press conference at the corner of Dotzheimer Straße and Klarenthaler Straße. “We’re moving full steam ahead. I’m proud to have such a dedicated team. I’d especially like to thank site manager Daniel Fäth and all the employees who really gave it their all.”

In total, the roadway was resurfaced over an area of approximately 2,600 square meters, and about 1,300 metric tons of asphalt were laid in various layers. A so-called semi-rigid construction method was used over an area of 1,300 square meters. To achieve this, the existing basalt cobblestone pavement was also removed.

The renovation was prompted by severe heat damage from July 2025. At that time, parts of the asphalt had deformed by up to 24 centimeters. High braking and shear forces act on the roadway, particularly in the bus lanes. At the same time, high temperatures take a toll on the material. The semi-rigid construction method is intended to help the roadway better withstand these stresses in the future. The process combines a load-bearing aggregate base with a mineral-bound fill, making the surface more resilient. “We didn’t just repair the damage. We specifically implemented a solution that better addresses the particular stresses at this location. That’s sustainable infrastructure work,” Dahlen emphasized.

The construction process presented special challenges for everyone involved. Traffic management had to be organized in such a way that disruptions to private vehicles and public transit were kept to a minimum. At the same time, space on the construction site was limited. Material deliveries, removal of waste, and the individual construction phases therefore had to be closely coordinated.

An unexpected discovery beneath the natural stone paving caused additional work: heavily contaminated tar-containing asphalt was uncovered there, which had to be professionally removed and disposed of in accordance with regulations. The curing times required for the semi-rigid deck structure also had to be factored into the schedule.

“A construction site of this magnitude doesn’t run itself. It requires good planning, quick decision-making processes, and people who work together to find solutions when things don’t go as expected,” said Dahlen. “That’s exactly what we achieved here. Despite additional challenges, everyone pulled together.”

For the head of the transportation department, the early reopening is also an example of what matters most when organizing construction sites. Not every construction site can be avoided. This makes it all the more important to prepare measures thoroughly, coordinate processes closely, and keep the construction period as short as possible. “We’ll continue to have to carry out renovations and invest in our infrastructure in the future. But we must keep the inconvenience to people as minimal as possible. When a construction site is completed ahead of schedule, it’s a win for everyone who travels here every day,” said Marc Dahlen. “Six and a half weeks instead of eight, 2,600 square meters renewed, and a more durable roadway created. The result is impressive. Many thanks to everyone involved—and on we go!”