Finally light at the end of the tunnel: traffic opening in Fechingen!

Finally light at the end of the tunnel: traffic opening in Fechingen!

Over a year ago, the Whitsun floods in Saarbrücken caused significant damage to private households and the city's infrastructure. Landslides in particular hit some parts of the city hard. In Fechingen, specifically at Heringsmühle and Großblittersdorfer Straße on Sonnenberg, large construction sites have been built to repair the damage. The city reported that work in the region is largely complete. Traffic can pass through again at the Heringsmühle after months of closure, while the construction work at Sonnenberg is in the final phase Saarbrücken newspaper reported.

A Bavarian company has completed slope rehabilitation using hydrocementation; The embankment on Sonnenberg was stabilized. However, some remaining work, such as on the sidewalk, is still required. Faded relics were also found in connection with the construction work on the Sonnenberg, including a blown-up bunker from the Second World War as well as weapons and the bones of fallen soldiers that had to be reburied.

The street “Im Brühl” remains closed to residents

The street “Im Brühl” in Fechingen has been closed for over a year. Although the roadway is not affected, the slope is considered unstable. This closure will be maintained because the embankment cannot be classified as completely stable. More urgent renovation measures, which were prioritized after the flood, have meant that this work has not yet been able to progress. The state capital's budget for 2025 has not yet been approved despite a council decision in December 2024, which is delaying project planning, as stated in the Saarbrücken newspaper emerges.

If the budget is approved, planning for the renovation of the “Im Brühl” street can continue. However, the measure could only be planned for the 2026 financial year. Until then, residents may have to expect another lockdown, necessary due to possible stability risks.

Causes and prevention of landslides

Landslides like those triggered by the Whitsun floods in Saarbrücken are often the result of heavy rainfall. These cause water to penetrate into deeper soil layers and loosen previously bound layers. Gravity and decreasing static friction can then cause the slope to slide, as the information from the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief explain.

In order to prevent landslides, it is important to pay close attention to the soil conditions when building on slopes and to implement suitable slope stabilization measures. The recommended measures include solid bracing of buildings and the installation of wastewater drains and slope drainage. When landslides begin, residents should follow current weather reports and take action if there are signs such as cracks and depressions in the slope. In the event of a landslide, it is advisable to move to safe areas and contact emergency services immediately.