ADAC sounds the alarm: billions for motorways are not enough!

ADAC sounds the alarm: billions for motorways are not enough!

The ADAC is sounding the alarm about the current investment plans for transport infrastructure in Germany. In a recent statement, ADAC transport president Gerhard Hillebrand expressed his disappointment with the funding provided. The 2025 federal budget originally budgeted 9.1 billion euros for federal highways, but the black-red government increased this amount to 10.0 billion euros. Around 10.5 billion euros are earmarked for each of the next four years, but from the ADAC's point of view this is not enough. Hillebrand criticizes the fact that the increase in funds is mainly due to 900 million euros from the defense budget and calls for a more comprehensive strategy for transport infrastructure.

In total, the federal government plans to invest 166 billion euros in transport infrastructure, which is 64 billion euros more than in the last five years. Nevertheless, the distribution of funds seems inadequate. Almost two thirds of the investments, namely 107 billion euros, are earmarked for rail, while only 52 billion euros are planned for highways. Hillebrand emphasizes that this should be viewed as a small increase, especially considering the high renovation backlog of dilapidated bridges and roads.

Criticism of the investment focus

A significant part of the 10 billion euros for highways includes 2.5 billion euros for bridge renovations, with the federal government planning to repair around 4,000 bridges by 2032. However, Hillebrand expresses skepticism as to whether the backlog on bridges can actually be reduced. The ADAC is therefore not only calling for additional investments, but also faster decisions and reliable financing for the transport network.

Particularly against the backdrop of the upcoming federal election in 2025, the ADAC emphasizes the need to eliminate the backlog of renovation work on dilapidated bridges, roads and railways. Further safety efforts are needed to address new risks on the road. The ADAC advocates for an efficient road network and the expansion of alternative means of transport to ensure that all people can participate in social life, regardless of their chosen form of mobility.

Long-term goals for transport infrastructure

An example of necessary investments is the Carola Bridge in Dresden, which was to be rebuilt for over 100 million euros. The next federal government must slow the decline of the transport infrastructure and eliminate bottlenecks. The ADAC also confirms its rejection of privatization of the infrastructure, as it sees this as a state responsibility. Despite the record investments, more needs to be spent on infrastructure to avoid closures, traffic jams and delays.

In addition, the ADAC supports the goal of making the transport system climate-neutral by 2045. This also includes the expansion of an adequate charging infrastructure for electromobility, especially in residential areas and rural areas. An improvement in local public transport (ÖPNV) is also required in order to ensure more reliable and closer frequency as well as more direct connections.

Deutsche Bahn plans to renovate the aging route network by the end of 2030 and improve the connection of important airports to the ICE network. The ADAC also calls for a networked transport policy that takes all types of mobility into account and measures to increase road safety in order to reduce the number of road deaths.

Education about the risks of cannabis consumption on the road and more flexible driving license rules, such as lowering the minimum age for a car driving license to 16, are also topics that the ADAC is addressing. The need to take a comprehensive look at these challenges shows how urgent it is to reform the transport infrastructure in order to meet current and future requirements.

For more information on this topic, you can consult the reports from Mercury as well as from ADAC can be viewed.