Construction of the Riederwald Tunnel - Last Trees Felled - Final trees fall in Fechenheim Forest as €1.5B tunnel project advances

Workers have initiated the clearing of the final trees in Fechenheim Forest for the Riederwald Tunnel project. The operation commenced peacefully, with no protests or disruptions reported. Authorities confirmed the site remained tranquil as felling began.

The tree-clearing follows a February ruling by the Kassel Administrative Court, which rejected an emergency injunction to halt the A66 motorway section. Judges upheld the project on public interest grounds, citing its role in closing a critical gap in the road network. They also ruled that measures to protect the endangered Heldbock beetle—including relocating breeding trees—were adequate.

The Riederwald Tunnel is the largest urban infrastructure project in Hesse, with current cost estimates at €1.5 billion. Planning for the link between the A66 and A661 motorways began in 1989, but construction has faced repeated delays. Police officers were present in a supporting role as the clearing operation started, though no activists were seen at the site.

No official timeline has been released for the tunnel's completion or key construction milestones.

The project moves forward after decades of planning and legal challenges. With the forest clearing now underway, the next phases of the €1.5 billion scheme will depend on further construction progress. Authorities have not yet provided details on when the tunnel is expected to open.