Lot 1: Conversion of the roundabout into a traffic light junction
The measure is intended to improve the capacity of the L23/L38 junction and increase traffic safety. The increased traffic volume in the area of the settlement of an automotive company had to be taken into account. It was divided into two main lots: the conversion of the L23/L38 roundabout near Freienbrink into a traffic-light controlled junction, as well as the resurfacing of the L23 from the Storkow junction of the A12 motorway to the junction with the L38, including the cycle path running parallel to it.
The construction work was divided into four main phases and ten sub-phases. As part of the preliminary work, the construction areas were scanned for explosive ordnance. Subsequently, provisional bypasses were constructed, followed by extensive road construction work at the intersections. This included asphalt milling, excavation, installation of new layers, as well as the installation of the traffic light system.
Lot 2: Partial resurfacing of the L23
The resurfacing of the L23 extended over a total length of 8.6 kilometres of road and 4.05 kilometres of cycle path. The work was divided into five construction phases plus a separate cycle path section. It included asphalt milling, base course renewal, asphalting and adjustment of the verges. Some sections required a complete layer structure, while others only needed renewal of the upper asphalt layers.
‘During the construction work, a full closure of the L23 was necessary. To minimise disruption for residents and maintain traffic flow, bus services, diversions, access to key facilities and access for residents had to be carefully planned. We coordinated the phases of the road surface renovation closely with the reconstruction of the roundabout, so adhering to the schedule was our top priority,’ said site manager Monika Woloszka. ‘In total, we processed around 36,000 tonnes of asphalt mix during the 203 working days, which is equivalent to the weight of all 51,500 inhabitants of Gummersbach, 1,200,000 cats in Hesse or almost four Eiffel Towers,’ she adds with a smile.
