A7 Noise Barrier Tunnel in Altona: First Tube’s Raw Construction Nearly Complete
Hamburg, July 2 – The raw construction of the first 2.3-kilometer tube of the A7 noise barrier tunnel in Hamburg-Altona, spanning from Volkspark to the Elbe, is nearing completion. This significant milestone, announced today, brings the prospect of an end to traffic noise from the A7 motorway closer for residents in western Hamburg.
The final section of the tunnel, roughly the size of a tennis court, was concreted by Friday, marking the near-completion of the southbound tube. This development is a crucial step in the ambitious infrastructure project aimed at improving the quality of life for residents in the Altona district.
Milestone for Hamburg’s Traffic Senator
Anjes Tjarks (Greens), Hamburg’s Senator for Transport, hailed this achievement as a major milestone. “When the tunnel is passable – which will be in the second half of next year – then there will be an end to traffic noise in western Hamburg from the A7,” Tjarks stated. Once operational, the current open-air lanes will be relocated into the newly constructed tunnel.
Christian Merl from Autobahn GmbH emphasized that significant work remains before the tunnel can be fully operational. “All the technology we need, including operational and traffic control systems, must be installed. This involves all safety-related equipment to enable the tunnel to be put into operation,” Merl explained. This phase will involve laying approximately 2,500 kilometers of cables.
Future Plans: Second Tube and Green Corridor
Following the completion and commissioning of the first tube, construction will commence on the second tube, which will run northbound. This second phase is scheduled for completion in 2029. By the early 2030s, plans include the creation of a continuous green corridor on the tunnel roof, stretching from Volkspark to the Elbe, transforming the area into recreational space for the community.
The project, which was a topic of discussion in the Senate today, highlights the city’s commitment to sustainable urban development. While the autobahn cover is expected to be in place in three years, the park above it is projected to be completed in eleven years.
Urban Development Opportunities
The A7 tunnel project also opens up new opportunities for urban development in Hamburg. The city will be able to utilize the land adjacent to the autobahn cover in Altona for residential construction and for the Science City Bahrenfeld initiative. This strategic use of space aims to address housing needs and foster innovation within the city.
In a related development, a park on the A7 autobahn cover in Stellingen has already been opened, demonstrating the transformative potential of such projects. What was once solely a motorway is now home to meadows, playgrounds, and allotments, effectively reconnecting the formerly divided Stellingen district.
The full completion of the A7 noise barrier tunnel and the subsequent development of the green corridor are expected to significantly enhance environmental quality and urban living in Hamburg-Altona, offering a blueprint for similar urban infrastructure projects.
