German lawmakers release €1.1 billion for urgent bridge repairs

German lawmakers have unlocked €1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) for urgent bridge repairs, averting a delay in key infrastructure upgrades.

The Bundestag's Budget Committee on Thursday approved the funds for the federally owned Autobahn GmbH, allowing contracts to be awarded and construction work to continue.

"We cannot afford to lose time when it comes to restoring our transport infrastructure," said Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder.

In mid-July, Autobahn had imposed an immediate halt to contract tenders for 2025, stating that it lacked additional funds before the federal budget takes effect.

There had also been warnings of significant delays to bridge renovations because additional funds from a multi-billion-euro infrastructure special fund had not yet been made available.

The conservative-led government said Thursday's approval means Autobahn can fully spend the €2.5 billion earmarked in the special fund this year for bridge and tunnel rehabilitation. The projects include major traffic arteries such as the A7 and A3 motorways.

In a letter from the Finance Ministry to the Budget Committee in parliament, Autobahn reported a "dramatic increase" in the maintenance backlog on highways, which could severely impact traffic safety.

Autobahn GmbH is responsible for the planning, construction and maintenance of Germany's motorways. A major focus is on the rehabilitation of ageing and deteriorating bridges, many of them built in the 1960s and 70s.

Tim-Oliver Müller, chief executive of the German Construction Industry Association, said the newly released investment funds would allow Autobahn to continue with critical projects without interruption.