City officials in Dortmund and Autobahn Westfalen have announced plans to host a second public briefing regarding the major A45 bridge replacement project at Martener Strasse. This decision follows an overwhelmingly attended initial meeting on Monday, October 12, which faced significant disruptions due to severe acoustic problems.
More than 400 local residents crowded into the former Heilige Familie church at Sadelhof 16 for the first session. Due to the massive turnout and inadequate audio equipment inside the converted building, organizers had to drastically abbreviate the main presentation because many audience members could not clearly hear the speakers.
Alternative Information Stations Provided
To ensure attendees still received updates despite the audio difficulties, organizers redirected residents to six dedicated information stations. These booths were staffed by representatives from Autobahn Westfalen, the City of Dortmund, DONETZ, the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR), DSW21, and Deutsche Bahn.
According to local reports from Wir in Dortmund and municipal communications on dortmund.de, organizers quickly determined that a follow-up session in a more acoustically suitable venue is necessary to fully address community questions.
Project Scope and Upcoming Closures
The infrastructure project involves Autobahn Westfalen replacing the aging A45 bridge over Martener Strasse between the Dortmund-West motorway intersection (A40/A45) and the Dortmund-Hafen junction. The massive undertaking relies on a planned 14-week rail closure by Deutsche Bahn during the summer of 2027, when train traffic beneath the bridge will completely halt.
Motorists and local residents face several upcoming milestones:
- November: Preparatory work begins in the immediate construction field.
- Early Winter: Initial partial closure of Martener Strasse for essential utility relocations beneath the structure. Pedestrians, cyclists, public buses, and light rail will temporarily maintain passage.
- April 5, 2027: Full local construction field activation requiring comprehensive traffic diversions around Martener Strasse.
- April 28, 2027: Full eight-month closure of the A45 between Dortmund-West and Dortmund-Hafen, with long-distance traffic rerouted via major surrounding motorways.
Municipal organizers will announce the precise date, time, and location for the rescheduled public meeting as soon as they secure a suitable venue.
