anticipated commute on revamped A45 roadway may commence ahead of schedule
The ongoing construction of the Rahmede Valley Bridge replacement on the A45 near Lüdenscheid, Germany, is progressing as scheduled. The old viaduct was demolished by a controlled explosion in May 2023, and construction of the new 450-meter-long replacement bridge began in October 2023. As of June 2025, work continues actively on the project.
The A45 closure, which began in late 2021 due to the closure of the original Rahmede Valley Bridge, has caused significant traffic congestion, noise, and exhaust fumes in Lüdenscheid and the surrounding area. Additionally, disrupted delivery traffic, loss of sales, and loss of skilled workers have also been reported due to the closure.
Despite these challenges, Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) has stated that the project is on track with the schedule. Schnieder is scheduled to participate in a citizens' festival in Lüdenscheid on October 4, where he plans to announce a specific date for the resumption of traffic on the A45.
The city of Lüdenscheid hopes and wishes that the bridge could be opened for traffic earlier than previously planned. However, no confirmed earlier completion or opening date has been announced yet. The latest updates confirm ongoing construction without announcements of accelerated timelines or an expected opening date before the initially projected schedule.
The bridge is being rebuilt in two partial structures. The initial plan was to complete the first partial structure in mid-2026, but it has now been moved up to spring 2026. There is speculation that the completion of the first partial structure could even be faster than the currently planned spring 2026.
The Lüdenscheider Nachrichten first reported on the possibility of the project being completed ahead of schedule. As the construction continues, the city and its residents eagerly await the completion of the Rahmede Valley Bridge replacement and the reopening of the A45.
[1] Stadt Lüdenscheid (2023). Rahmedetalbrücke: Brückenbau im Rahmen des A45-Ausbaus. Retrieved from https://www.stadt-luedenscheid.de/a45-ausbau/brueckenbau-im-rahmendetal/
[2] Lüdenscheider Nachrichten (2023). Rahmedetalbrücke: A45-Ausbau im Gang. Retrieved from https://www.luedenscheider-nachrichten.de/luedenscheid/a45-ausbau-im-gang-18830611.html
What about the potential impact on various industries if the Rahmede Valley Bridge replacement project is completed ahead of schedule? The fast-paced progress of the construction could positively affect the automotive industry, finance, and transportation sectors, reducing disruptions in delivery traffic and potentially increasing business activities in Lüdenscheid.
