Schackenthal. Three out of four kilometres have already been upgraded. On Thursday, District Administrator Markus Bauer and those involved in the project marked the start of construction on the remaining section of District Road 1373 between Schackenthal – a district of the town of Aschersleben – and Giersleben with a symbolic ground-breaking ceremony.
“This project has been on our list of road-improvement priorities for some time. We are therefore all the more delighted – and this goes especially for local residents and road users – that we have overcome all the obstacles, are now closing this gap and bringing this district road in our network up to current standards. The Salzlandkreis is creating reliable connections in the region, for the region.” District Administrator Markus Bauer welcomed the invited guests to the site visit along the route: the Lübbers planning office from Ermsleben, Falkenstein/Harz; representatives of Kutter HTS GmbH from Helbra, the company commissioned to carry out the construction work; and representatives of the town of Aschersleben, including Mayor Steffen Amme. “As usual, we will work together professionally on this project to advance our area as a place to live and do business,” explained the District Administrator.
The Mayor of Aschersleben, Steffen Amme, shares this view. He said: “An efficient transport infrastructure is a key factor in ensuring that our neighbourhoods remain vibrant and attractive. Good roads connect people, make everyday life easier and create better conditions for families, businesses and the agricultural sector. I am therefore delighted that, with the upgrade of the K 1373, a long-planned gap in the road network is now becoming a reality. This investment strengthens rural areas and sends a clear signal that our local communities, too, deserve a bright future.”
The project involves upgrading the remaining section of the K 1373 between the two towns, including ancillary facilities, which also serves as a link between the L 72 and the K 1372. Around 1,000 metres will be completely resurfaced in the coming months, with a six-metre-wide asphalt carriageway and verges. Two culverts will be constructed to drain rainwater.
Initial project planning began in 2023. The district had allocated the funds in the 2025 budget. However, as additional nature conservation assessments, contracts and works became necessary during the planning phase, implementation was delayed. With completion scheduled for the end of May 2027, the K 1373 between Schackenthal and Giersleben will be fully upgraded. Any remaining old road subsidence, potholes and load-bearing deficiencies will then be a thing of the past. According to current plans, the Salzlandkreis is contributing around 1.4 million euros towards this project.
Due to roadworks, the road between Schackenthal and Giersleben will be closed from 12 August, and traffic will be diverted via the L 72.