Background

The A49 Project is located in the German State of Hesse, between Kassel and Gießen, northeast of Frankfurt. The projects consists of the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of two sections of the A49 highway, including a new interchange to the A5 motorway and the take-over of 2 existing sections of the A49. The total length of the Project is 61km, with 31km to be built. The A49 Project was developed to improve an important transport corridor and to divert traffic from notoriously jammed villages and city centres along the existing local roads. It is also an important link to the main German north-south axis, as it connects to the A7 around Kassel. Construction of the motorway started in September 2020. Take-over of O&M of the existing sections started in July 2022, and the whole road will open to traffic in November 2024.

Stage:

Under Construction

ESG/SDG Key Facts:

The Project will reduce car congestion on the local road network, improving road users’ safety as well as air quality.
The independent environmental site inspection is closely monitoring all works and ensures careful application of all ecological conditions and requirements.

Environmental compensation measures cover circa 750 hectare of recultivated water bodies, meadows, fields and forests. The ratio of sealed to recultivated areas is 1:6. The Project is continuing its communication to local stakeholders (mayors, citizens, organizations like fire-fighters, …) to inform in advance of any closures/detours in the local road network and actively work with them to ensure that users have acceptable solutions wherever and whenever needed.

Forecast emissions savings are 11,000 tons of CO2 equivalent per year when compared with the current situation of unconnected road.
Since its installation in September 2023, the SPV’s solar power plant has produced 84,000 kWh, which covers all of the Project Company’s electricity consumption.

SDG Achievements and Roadmaps

SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy)

The Project Company procured a 100kWp solar power plant on the roof of its O&M service centre, which was completed in 2022. The solar roof in combination with the installed heat pump will cover all electricity consumption of the centre. Options for deploying PV panels along the motorway are being explored.

SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

The Project significantly increased its workforce during construction, contributing significantly to economic growth in the region.

SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)

Because the Project is located in sensitive areas, specific measures were developed in a comprehensive environmental plan. To ensure compliance of all planning and construction works, the Project Company hired a third-party environmental project supervisor.

SDG 15 (Life of land) – Wildlife relocation measures has been put in place to protect and preserve terrestrial life around the Project area.