District heating expansion in the north of Giessen
SWG is connecting Steinstrasse with district heating and renovating other supply lines as part of the construction work.
The expansion of district heating is an important building block for climate protection and thus a decisive factor in achieving one of Giessen's goals: climate neutrality by 2035. Consequently, a number of construction measures are due to be carried out in the near future as part of which Stadtwerke Giessen (SWG) is expanding its existing district heating network. One of these district heating expansion projects will begin on 5 May 2025 in Steinstraße.
As is usual with such measures, those responsible at SWG always meticulously check in advance whether other work is foreseeable in the affected street that can be sensibly carried out at the same time. "We renovate electricity, gas and water pipes and, if necessary, the corresponding house connections at the same time," explains Peter Keller, Head of Energy & Water Networks at SWG. This approach not only saves money, but also reduces the unavoidable inconvenience for residents caused by the construction work. "We are doing everything we can to minimise the disruption to everyday life and ask all those affected for their understanding," adds Peter Keller.
What can we expect?
The SWG planners are reducing the expected restrictions for residents not only by combining various cross-sector works as described, but also by organising the measure itself. SWG is actually starting with the section between Asterweg and Schottstraße. The construction site will then move to the next section between Schottstraße and Marburger Straße. "This means that at least the other section of Steinweg will remain passable," Peter Keller continues. For the duration of the work, the affected section must be fully closed to traffic. This means that the car parking spaces that would otherwise be available will also be lost during this time. As the new supply and house connection pipes to be laid and renovated are not only located under the carriageway, the construction work will also affect the pavement in sections, which will therefore only be usable to a limited extent.
The situation is slightly different in the area of Marburger Straße itself. Here, too, pedestrians will sometimes experience restrictions. However, the roadworks do not require a full closure of the carriageway. Depending on the progress of the work, traffic at the junction with Steinstrasse will be routed across one lane if necessary - both into and out of the city centre.
Naturally, those responsible have ensured that local businesses can be reached by delivery and company vehicles at all times and have signposted diversions. As of today, the work should be completed by the end of December.