German Unity Transport Project 8

Key planning process

The key planning process is a strictly formalised approval procedure for reaching a decision on the admissibility of a construction project. The compatibility of the construction project with all the public and private interests affected is examined at an early stage in this process.

The key planning documents for this project were submitted to the German Federal Railway Authority (EBA) in 1994. They have been updated to comply with the current level of knowledge in recent years and the fourth amended plan is currently awaiting approval by the EBA in Nuremberg. Design plans are currently in preparation.

A hearing takes place in the course of key planning, at which statements from authorities affected are obtained. This is followed by a public presentation, at which affected parties can submit written objections. The public presentation is followed by a public enquiry, attended by the planning authority, the project sponsor, affected authorities and affected private individuals. The authority conducting the enquiry submits a statement on its result and passes the statements, plans and unresolved objections to the key planning authority. Construction must not commence until a decision on key planning has been reached.

(Graphic: DB AG)