Major Construction in Berlin-Tempelhof: 60 Trees to be Removed or Long Diversion

In Berlin-Tempelhof, the Tempelhofer Damm is facing significant construction work that could lead to the removal of 60 trees. The project is primarily aimed at addressing the urgent need for road repairs and improving infrastructure.

Every day, approximately 50,000 vehicles traverse the Tempelhofer Damm, a crucial north-south traffic artery. Beneath the surface, however, lie three aging wastewater lines dating back to the 19th century, described as 'time bombs' by local water authorities due to their deteriorating condition.

For years, the traffic management authorities resisted permits to dig up the road, but after extensive planning efforts aimed at preserving the trees on the median strip, a new development has arisen. The local traffic councilor has announced that the trees will now be cut down to facilitate smoother construction logistics and enhance the ecological balance, despite previous commitments to their preservation.

The situation has drawn criticism, particularly from environmental advocates who argue that the decision contradicts the goals of sustainable urban planning, especially in light of the ongoing climate crisis. An assessment indicated that 90% of the trees are in good health and could survive even under construction conditions for another 20 to 50 years.

The local environmental organization BUND expressed dismay over the shift in policy, characterizing it as an unnecessary sacrifice of urban greenery in favor of a pro-automobile agenda. They have urged the authorities to reconsider what they term a 'tree massacre' and to explore alternative solutions that would minimize environmental impact.

The transportation department justified its decision by suggesting that sacrificing the trees would allow for the maintenance of two traffic lanes in each direction during the multi-year construction period. They claim that the alternative of redirecting traffic would significantly burden local residents and lead to a considerable increase in carbon emissions, estimating an additional 30,000 tons of CO2 compared to the mere 8.75 tons resulting from tree removal.

Compounding the situation is the age and risk associated with the wastewater lines beneath the Tempelhofer Damm. As these lines were laid when the road primarily served horse-drawn vehicles, the urgency of repairs has grown over the years. The spokesperson for the Berlin Water Company has indicated that continued delays in addressing these lines could lead to severe infrastructure failures.

While the initial designs included strategies to maintain traffic flow without removing the trees, external pressures, including those from the water authority, have seemingly led to a pivot in the project approach. The water authority's previous efforts to coordinate construction logistics with various infrastructure providers have not alleviated the urgency of the repairs needed.

As the situation develops, local authorities are facing mounting pressure from both environmental groups and residents concerned about the long-term impact of their decisions on the urban ecosystem and community wellbeing. The fate of the trees remains a contentious issue as city officials weigh the immediate need for infrastructure improvement against the backdrop of environmental stewardship.