This was announced by motorway spokesperson Josef Seebacher during the presentation of the plans for the bridge’s replacement at a public meeting in Vaterstetten. The condition of the 52-year-old bridge does not permit any delays.
“There are serious defects. While there is currently no danger to traffic, urgent action is required.” This is why the bridge section has already been closed to heavy goods vehicles. According to Seebacher, action can still be taken just in time. “We still have time now to manage this properly.”
In December, preparations for the temporary bypass will begin. It is located south of the existing bridge. A northern construction site would have necessitated the closure of the motorway slip roads as well. Simply closing the B 304 section completely for months for demolition and reconstruction was unthinkable. “This is a relatively important bridge that carries heavy traffic.” Approximately 38,000 vehicles use it daily, with at least 8,000 entering or exiting the motorway here.
Nearly 2,000 square meters of protected forest must be cleared for the construction of the four-lane temporary bridge, as well as over 10,000 square meters of mixed forest, located mainly between the motorway and the exit towards Nuremberg. The area will primarily be used as a storage site for the construction project. “Some landowners want to do the felling themselves because they want to keep the timber; we will handle the rest,” Seebacher explained. The forest will be replanted afterward, even using part of the original forest soil, which will be removed and carefully stored during the construction period.
Michael Ott from Vaterstetten complained that the new trees would still be very small and would not serve as a noise barrier for a long time. Another citizen additionally demanded a noise enclosure for the new bridge. “Generally, trees are not considered noise protection,” Seebacher clarified, “they only provide visual screening.” Because the replacement structure does not change the traffic volume—and thus the noise situation—existing legal protections apply. This means: “No noise protection measures are planned here.” Some citizens found this to be splitting hairs, arguing that a new bridge is being built after all. Seebacher noted that only during the construction period would there be a speed limit on the motorway and the temporary bridge, which would certainly also affect noise levels. However, long-term noise protection measures are only planned for the future expansion of the A 99.
Starting in January, the pedestrian and cycle underpass beneath the bridge will be closed. Between March and May 2026, the path alongside the B 304 will also be closed. The detour will run along the path next to the railway line between Vaterstetten S-Bahn station and Haar. The Autobahn representative promised that the route would be prepared accordingly. Discussions have already been held with the municipality of Grasbrunn and the path’s owner, Deutsche Bahn. Additionally, a temporary traffic light will be installed at the level of Waldstraße in Haar for crossing traffic. From June onward, the 2.50-meter-wide combined pedestrian and cycle path on the temporary bridge should be usable.
The demolition of the old bridge will take place in the summer. The new bridge is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028. It will be 50 centimeters wider due to updated regulations for combined pedestrian and cycle paths. The planned additional lanes for the A 99 will easily fit underneath it.
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