Beetle vs. Riedberg Tunnel: Initiative Fails in Court - Frankfurt's Riedberg Tunnel wins court approval despite rare beetle concerns
A citizens' initiative in Frankfurt am Main has failed to stop construction of the Riedberg Tunnel after raising concerns about its impact on a rare beetle species. The Hessian Administrative Court in Kassel dismissed the group's urgent motion, allowing the billion-euro infrastructure project to continue as planned.
The initiative had argued that felling protected Heldbock (field maple) trees for the tunnel would endanger the beetle population. They claimed the environmental exemption granted for the project was unlawful, as removing breeding trees would directly harm the species. By early 2026, 12 of these protected trees had already been cut down near the tunnel portals in the Riedberg district and near the university campus.
The court acknowledged that some beetles might die due to construction but ruled that enough alternative trees remain to sustain the species. It also stressed the tunnel's importance, stating that the project serves a significant public interest. The 1.1-kilometre tunnel is a key part of closing a two-kilometre gap between the A66 and A661 motorways.
The legal challenge specifically targeted the planning approval for the A66 expansion. Despite the initiative's warnings, the court found no grounds to halt the work, allowing the project to proceed without further delays.
With the court's decision, construction of the Riedberg Tunnel will move forward. The ruling confirms that the project's public benefits outweigh the environmental concerns raised. The initiative's attempt to protect the Heldbock beetle has been rejected, leaving the tunnel on track for completion.
