On this, Stefan Weber, leader of the CDU group on the city council, says:
“We want to improve the B 51 plans constructively, not stop them. The road remains a key transport artery for Münster and the eastern Münsterland and must remain efficient and safe. Our aim is a solution that is more compatible with the local area, relieves Handorf and better reconciles the interests of residents, the environment, agriculture and traffic.”
And Andrea Blome, spokesperson for the Greens' council group, emphasises:
“The joint resolution by the CDU and the coalition makes it clear: a very broad democratic majority in Münster does not want an oversized motorway-style interchange on Handorf's doorstep. In times of overheating and species extinction, no one can imagine felling an entire avenue of trees for the B51 and concreting over valuable natural habitats and farmland. Given falling traffic volumes along the route and an investment backlog worth billions in other transport projects, scaling back the planned expansion is urgently needed.”
Stephan Brinktrine, leader of the SPD council group, highlights:
“It is good that we as the city council are sending a clear signal to Düsseldorf and Berlin: Münster is against the proposed form of expanding the B51. Anyone who takes the interests of local people seriously can want neither standstill nor large-scale destruction of nature. We are counting on the plans being revised after this clear statement.”
And Maren Berkenheide, spokesperson for the Volt council group, concludes:
“The revised plans must finally acknowledge the realities on the ground. We need to strengthen environmentally friendly alternatives to the road: an efficient railway line along the road, good bus connections and more space and better conditions for cycling in the east of Münster. Protection against noise and protection against soil sealing must now be the priority in the long-overdue replanning.”
