L 170 will remain closed until the end of 2027: citizens laugh at the catastrophe!

L 170 will remain closed until the end of 2027: citizens laugh at the catastrophe!

On July 3, 2025, a presentation by the State Road Construction Agency (LfS) took place in the Walderfingia Festival Hall in Wallerfangen, at which the current status of the full closure of the L 170 between Rehlingen and Wallerfangen was discussed. Around 200 citizens were present when Andreas Deutsch from the LfS explained important information about the overall situation. There was constant laughter and applause during the event as the road reopening estimates were announced.

The L 170 is expected to remain completely closed until the end of 2027. This is the result of extensive planning that highlights the geological hazards that endanger the route. According to saarland.de, landslides and rock falls in particular are monitors for local residents and the authorities. The road was closed last year for safety reasons after previous landslides and extreme weather conditions during Pentecost 2024 and another storm on June 29, 2024 aggravated the situation.

Geological risk and traffic safety

The dangers caused by the geological instability of the slope are significant. The LfS appeals to all road users to take the existing closure seriously and to use appropriate diversions on the A 8. The road is only accessible to emergency services in an emergency. However, the last few months have shown that despite correct signage and barriers, road users continue to ignore the closures, which further increases the risk.

In order to improve safety on this busy route, plans are already underway to secure slopes. These include a feasibility study, the results of which will determine future measures to protect road users and residents. The release of the L 170 is currently classified as unreasonable and a specific time frame for this cannot currently be foreseen.

At the meeting it became clear that residents are not only confronted with traffic delays, but also with psychological stress caused by the uncertainty of the road situation. The information event is intended to help address citizens' concerns and provide transparent information about the ongoing measures. Those present were relieved that the authorities were taking the dangers seriously, but also expressed incomprehension about the long duration of the closure, which is now classified as lasting “for years,” according to saarbruecker-zeitung.de reports.