Wüst and Krischer testify again in NRW bridge disaster committee, this time on Leverkusen Rhine bridge contract

Today's hearing

North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister-President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) and Transport Minister Oliver Krischer (Greens) are testifying today before the state parliament's investigative committee "Brückendesaster". The session concentrates on the new construction of the Leverkusen Rhine bridge on the A1 motorway. Krischer is scheduled for 10:00, Wüst for 15:00, according to committee chair Stefan Engstfeld (Greens).

The cancelled contract

The state road authority Straßen.NRW terminated its contract with construction group Porr in April 2020. The cancellation triggered a legal dispute that continues to this day. Both the Federal Republic of Germany and Porr are claiming sums in the three-digit millions. The new construction has been delayed as a result.

Wüst's role

Wüst, who was NRW transport minister at the time of the cancellation, is expected to report on the processes within the ministry and the state road authority leading up to the termination and the subsequent re-tendering of the Rhine bridge project.

Krischer's testimony

Krischer, the current transport minister, will address coordination with the Federal Ministry of Transport and the federal Autobahn GmbH. Since 2021, Autobahn GmbH has been responsible for planning, construction, and operation of motorways, taking over from the state authorities.

Previous inquiry

Wüst and Krischer were questioned by the same committee roughly a year ago. That earlier session dealt with the full closure of the Rahmede viaduct on the A45 in December 2021, which had to be demolished and completely rebuilt.