As of last Friday, the B 422 (Tiefensteiner Straße) has been reopened to traffic. A small celebration was held at the Barth & Frey car dealership to mark the successful completion of the construction project and the end of the extensive traffic detour it had caused.
“Today is a good day for the Tiefenstein neighborhood,” said Mayor Friedrich Marx, the department head responsible for the construction work, “because after a construction period of just 14 months, through traffic can once again flow along Tiefensteiner Straße.” The closure of the federal highway had sparked considerable debate. The mayor emphasized once again that he had asked all planning firms in advance to examine whether there was an alternative. “The unanimous conclusion of all the firms was: The project can only be carried out with a full closure.” Everyone was well aware of the impact this would have on road users, but especially on business owners along Tiefensteiner Straße. “We are all the more pleased now that the construction work was completed both on schedule and, as expected, within budget.” Mayor Marx thanked everyone involved in the project “who did a good job.” Above all, however, he thanked the contractor, A. Schwarz GmbH from Idar-Oberstein, which kept its word and completed the work on time before the Veitsrodt Premium Market. To achieve this, the employees had also worked numerous Saturday shifts. The mayor also emphasized that the residents and business owners directly affected had supported one another in order to cope with the disruptions.
As part of the construction project, the road and sidewalks were expanded along the approximately 440-meter-long construction site between the Weiherschleife and the Grimm senior living complex, and the street lighting as well as the utility systems for water, sewer, gas, electricity, and telecommunications were replaced or renovated. In addition, the State Mobility Agency (LBM) carried out the renovation of the bridge structure near the “Weiherschlösschen.” “With this improvement project—which cost approximately 4.3 million euros, including planning costs but excluding the bridge renovation—we have made our infrastructure in this area fit for the future,” emphasized Mayor Marx. The costs for the road expansion are being covered by the federal government, as this is a federal highway. The mayor also pointed out that a bicycle safety lane is now being marked on Tiefensteiner Straße from the Weiherschleife to just before Bachweg in the direction of Kirschweiler. “This is a key component of the mobility plan adopted by the city council, which is now being implemented.” Marx also noted that continuing the work is urgently needed due to the poor condition of Tiefensteiner Straße. However, it is not yet clear when this will take place, as the LBM is scheduled to renovate the Fischbach Bridge in 2027.
“Roads connect us, but when they’re closed, that’s when you realize what’s really behind them,” emphasized Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, who was also present, in her opening remarks. The road closure had been the subject of many conversations with her as the local member of the Bundestag. “Measures like this are, of course, inconvenient, but with the road reopening today, a bit of everyday life is returning.”
For contractor Marko Schwarz, this project was also a challenge. Road users often only notice the new roadway, “but 70 percent of the construction work takes place underground.” In total, pipes, sewers, and cables for seven utility providers had to be laid. Nevertheless, the work was completed on schedule. “That was only possible thanks to the outstanding cooperation here on site.”
Christian Grimm of the Grimm Senior Living Community and Michael Frey of the Barth & Frey car dealership also emphasized this on behalf of the affected residents and businesses. “We supported one another, and the people at Schwarz were always willing to listen. Of course, business suffered because of the road closure, but overall, a great job was done here.”
New Traffic Regulations on Tiefensteiner Straße
With the opening of through traffic on Tiefensteiner Straße, a change in traffic routing will take effect there. In the direction of Kirschweiler, a protected bike lane was initially marked in the area under construction. This lane will later be extended to just before Bachweg. Cyclists have the right of way on the protected bike lane. Other vehicles may use it only in exceptional cases, such as to avoid oncoming trucks or buses. However, this must not endanger or obstruct bicycle traffic. In addition, there is a strict no-parking and no-stopping rule on the protected bike lane.