Via Niedersachsen opens to traffic a new section of the A7 highway
Another milestone for VINCI Highways in the A7 expansion project: the revamping of the 5-km section between Grossenrode and Northeim West in the direction of Hanover is now delivered.
On Sunday, June 7th, a new stage in the A7 highway extension project between Göttingen and Bockenem will be achieved, with the opening to traffic of a new 5-km section in a direction connecting Grossenrode and Northeim West.
Led since May 2018 in a joint venture between VINCI Highways (VINCI Concessions), Eurovia and the German SMEs Stutz and Rohde, this 30-years V-Modell PPP is on track to widen and modernize this European strategic corridor that crosses Lower Saxony. The project for the widening of a 29.2 km section and the operation of a 60 km section and will bring the corridor to the highest quality and sustainability standards for the coming decades.
Road safety and driving comfort on the new section
Now much wider, this new 5 kilometre section will provide drivers with a more comfortable and safe experience. The revamping between Grossenrode and Northeim West included replacing one side of old two-lane highway side by a three-lane highway side with an emergency lane. The 6 structures that crossed the highway, including the underpass of the B 241 and the Northeim – Ottbergen railway line, were renewed on one side and the Northeim West junction on the Hanover directional road was newly built. At the same time, space was created for the immediately beginning expansion of the Kassel directional carriageway on the opposite side.
The extended directional carriageway linking Wildanimal-Crossing-bridge near Grossenrode to the parking and toilet facility in Schlochau (including the Nordheim West junction) will be released for traffic. To keep traffic circulating, all the drivers in both directions will be routed across this new 4-lane carriageway, while the opposite side is blocked and expanded.
In the coming three quarters, the directional carriageway Kassel will be renewed together with the section south and directly below the vegetation bridge. The demolition and construction of the second substructure of the highway overpass via the local road from Grossenrode to Hillerse is also planned here. The Schlochau Ost Park and toilet facility and the Northeim West junction towards Kassel will reopen in the following two weeks.
Improving environmental compliance
The revamping also includes the creation of an 80-meter vegetation bridge that will enable wildlife to safely cross the new three-lane highway, including deer, wild boar and wildcats. The construction work is well underway. In addition to this vegetation bridge, 4 new rain retention basins were created, improving the environmental compliance of the new infrastructure.
Ralf LEIENDECKER, Co-CEO of the A7 Via Niedersachsen project: “Partnering with local players has been particularly relevant to seamlessly manage the complex phasing of the project while keeping traffic circulating smoothly and safely. All our expertise is at play to successfully deliver while making sure the road remains accessible according to the highest standards for drivers. This upgrade will definitely make the A7 Via Niedersachsen highway one of the most pleasant, safest and greenest highways in Germany”.
