A proposal to create Germany’s biggest motorway has sparked a backlash, with critics fearful the “monstrosity” will increase climate-damaging emissions, worsen noise pollution and harm biodiverse habitats.
The recommendation suggests widening a section of the A5 outside the western city of Frankfurt to 10 lanes at an estimated cost of 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion).
While supporters say it is necessary to cope with expected increases in traffic on what is already one of Germany’s busiest stretches of motorway, it has touched a nerve amid mounting concerns about the climate crisis.
The proposal was laid out in a feasibility study commissioned by state-owned Autobahn GmbH, which manages the country’s motorways, and that was only released publicly in recent weeks under pressure from campaigners.
Authorities have since been at pains to stress they are still deciding what to do.
The transport ministry in Berlin said the study does not represent a final decision and will only form part of its considerations.
The affected stretch, running about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from a junction near the city’s airport to the town of Friedberg to the north, is currently either six or eight lanes.
The study argues the extension is needed to cope with looming increases in traffic volumes.
Already jammed at busy times, the A5 is set to get even more crowded, with some 200,000 cars expected on the road daily by 2030, according to the study.