Planning is underway for a project to upgrade a stretch of the A8 Autobahn that links Stuttgart and Munich in South Germany. The work will see major improvements to the A8, with a new alignment to replace the current A8 Alb ascent. The existing section of the A8 is prone to congestion, with the new route planned measuring around 7.6km, cutting 3.8km from the Autobahn.
The new link will feature three lanes in either direction, with two tunnels and two bridges along the route. The section will be located between Mühlhausen im Täle and Hohenstadt. The existing route meanwhile will become a country road, while there will also be facilities for cyclists.
The Filstal Bridge will measure around 800m while the Gosbachtl Bridge will measure around 460m. The Sky Loop Tunnel will be 1,170m long while the Drackenstein Tunnel will be 1670m long, with both featuring parallel tubes.
The preparation work is expected to take two years to complete, with construction scheduled to commence in 2027. This will be the largest infrastructure project for Germany’s Baden-Württemberg State.
This Autobahn upgrade has been discussed for some time. It was previously put forward in 2005 but stalled in 2008 due to a financial shortfall. In 2014 the project was again put forward, with further political discussions then taking place. After more discussions, planning approval was given in 2024.
