Since 1970 the German masterplan for the requirement of federal highways contained a new motorway crossing the black forest from west to east on a completely new line. This project could not be performed because of public obstruction. On the other hand the existing network is insufficient from the point of present traffic load and of further regional development. In 1979 a multi-disciplinary committee of experts was set up by the state authorities to prepare further decisions about the new highway. This committee formulated and coordinated a series of investigations by consultants, university institutes and stage offices. These investigations covered the following issues: highway planning, transportation master planning, regional economic structures, tourism, agriculture, forestry, protection of landscape, conservation of natural recreation facilities, protection of natural resources. Results were coordinated by a specially developed method of assessment which included cost-benefit analysis and a comparison of intangible costs. The procedure included a series of public hearings, an experience which, meanwhile, has been accepted as a model of public participation in highway planning in Germany. Finally, the committee succeeded in finding a solution which is suitable from the point of view of optimum traffic requirements and ecology. This proposal is to develop the existing B31 federal highway into a 4-lane highway with 3 large tunnels in the vicinity of towns. This solution also found a high degree of acceptance by the public. The state government has adopted this proposal and will submit it to the federal minister of transport for the next publication of his masterplan. Moreover, the detailed planning of some sections will be started in 1983. For the covering abstract of the proceedings see IRRD 274491.
Abstract