Relief for motorways – the Oberweser will not be
enlarged after all
From Frank Thonicke
KASSEL. With gridlock looming ahead, with
more and more trucks on the German roads, rivers and canals could
provide an alternative. This is generally known as the Renaissance
of the Inland Navigation.
Moreover the Bundesverkehrsministerium (Federal
Ministry of Traffic in Kassel) is counting on the transport of
goods on waterways. This year, Euro 565 million will be invested
for the preservation and expansion of the Federal Water Ways, next
year it will be Euro 670 million.
On the Oberweser however, something has been
occurring over and over again for 10 years: Richter, an engineering
company from Hessisch Lichtenau (Werra Meißner region) is
moving cast parts weighing tons. Each time, water has to be drained
from the Edersee to have enough water. The next move is planned for
the 31st of July and starting next weekend, additional water will
be channelled into the Weser through the Eder and the Fulda.
Berlin says no
To avoid draining the Edersee, many are now calling
for an expansion of the Oberweser, in order to keep it navigable
all the time. But the Bundesverkehrsministerium (Federal Ministry
of Traffic in Berlin) beckons: there are no expansion plans right
now.
In the meantime, the German inland waterways have
come up with record results: Last year, 249 million tons of goods
were transported – more than ever before. In 2003 it was barely 220
tons.
In order to transport the same amount on roads,
28,500 trucks would have to be used every day. The Ministry of
Traffic welcomes the boom in inland navigation. State Secretary
Karin Roth: "It means fewer traffic jams, less noise and emissions
for people".
Source: HNA Melsunger Allgemeine
