Offenbach's €38.5M dike expansion begins with 190 trees facing removal
Offenbach is preparing for the final phase of its Main River dike expansion, with preliminary work set to begin on 17 November 2023. The project, costing around €38.5 million, aims to strengthen flood defences but will require the removal of nearly 190 trees along the dike and river foreland. The first step involves felling around 120 trees along the dike's crest path. This will allow for the installation of sheet piling and anchor systems, essential for reinforcing the structure. Tree removal will be carefully timed to avoid breeding and nesting seasons, with coordination from the Office for Environment and Climate.
Lane closures are expected during the felling process, though full road closures will not be necessary. The city has acknowledged the impact on Offenbach's landscape but stresses the importance of the work for long-term flood protection. Major construction is scheduled to start in spring 2026, lasting roughly two and a half years. Before then, an additional 70 trees in the Main River foreland east of Friedhofstraße will be cleared. This will create extra retention basins to hold floodwaters during heavy rainfall. Once construction is complete, the dike will be replanted with more trees than were removed. The state of Hesse is contributing €13 million toward the total €38.5 million cost of the project.
The expansion project will significantly improve Offenbach's flood defences by 2028. While tree felling is unavoidable, the city plans to restore greenery once work finishes. The project remains on track, with funding secured and construction timelines in place.
