Saaleweg Mittelwiesen: First construction phase can proceed

Walking along the Saale River, cycling along a new route, and bypassing the Keßlerstraße/Lobedaer Straße intersection: This will be possible in the future on the first section of the Saaleweg Mittelwiesen near Burgau. The Committee on Urban Development, Environment, Climate Protection, and Sustainability has approved the preliminary design for this project. This allows the city of Jena to begin the next planning steps and prepare for implementation in 2027. The necessary funding has already been approved.

Originally, the city planned to implement both construction phases together. However, not all properties are yet available for the second section. In addition, further studies must be conducted, and an approval process may need to be completed.

“We have made significant progress on the Saaleweg project; from both a substantive and financial standpoint, it makes little sense to stop now. With the first phase, we are creating a new route for pedestrians and cyclists, relieving traffic at the Keßlerstraße intersection, and at the same time securing the funding that has already been approved. We’ll continue to monitor the second construction phase and weigh the next steps based on actual needs, with a focus on the needs of our residents,” says Dirk Lange, Director of Urban Development and the Environment.

Implementation Secures Funding

The first section of the Saaleweg will be connected to the existing network of paths and can therefore be used independently of the second construction phase. It creates a new route for pedestrians and cyclists and offers an alternative to the Keßlerstraße/Lobedaer Straße intersection. The Saaleweg is therefore included in both the Saale Framework Plan and the City of Jena’s Bicycle Traffic Concept.

To date, the city has invested approximately 240,000 euros in planning, expert reports, and a nature conservation measure that has already been implemented, of which about 178,900 euros came from grants. If the project were canceled, these grants—including approximately 11,700 euros in interest—would have to be repaid. An additional 220,000 euros is needed for the construction of the first section.

Next Steps

With the design plan now confirmed, the city can move forward with the detailed design and prepare the call for bids for the construction work. The costs have been adjusted for rising construction prices compared to the original plan from 2025.

Nature conservation requirements were also taken into account in the planning. Among other things, the route was adjusted to protect existing trees as much as possible. Some of the necessary advance mitigation measures have already been implemented.

Second Construction Phase Remains a Focus

At the same time, the city is continuing to prepare for the second construction phase. This requires resolving land-use issues, conducting surveys, and determining the necessary permitting process. Subsequently, funding for the second phase will be sought. The goal remains to extend the Saaleweg.