Ohligs Tunnel's Future Divides Solingen as €25 Million Redesign Faces Rival Vision
The future of Ohligs Tunnel in Solingen remains a contentious issue after years of debate. Originally slated for basic repairs in 2021, the project has since expanded into a €25 million redesign plan set to begin in late 2026. Now, the Federal Association of Citizens' Initiatives (BfS) has put forward its own vision for the site, balancing safety, accessibility, and social concerns.
The organisation's proposals range from immediate cleaning and repairs to long-term plans for a pedestrian bridge, aiming to address both structural and community needs.
Discussions about Ohligs Tunnel began in 2021 when Solingen city officials and Deutsche Bahn identified urgent safety issues requiring structural repairs. By 2023, the conversation shifted toward a broader redesign, with calls for improved accessibility, green spaces, and modern amenities. Public debates grew heated, pitting supporters of the €25 million plan—approved by the local council in 2025—against residents and environmental groups opposed to its scale and cost.
The BfS has now outlined a three-part strategy. In the short term, it demands a full deep clean of the tunnel, faster repairs to damaged lighting, and more frequent maintenance cycles. For the medium term, the group suggests testing video surveillance, redesigning the lighting system, and trialling sound installations, alongside approved roofing work at the eastern exit.
Looking further ahead, the BfS highlights urban planning needs, including a redesign of the eastern station forecourt. Its long-term ambition is to replace the tunnel entirely with a barrier-free pedestrian and cyclist bridge, inspired by a successful project in Opladen. The organisation also stresses the importance of supporting homeless individuals before enforcing stricter regulations, under the principle 'Support, Not Displacement'.
Rather than focusing solely on homelessness or security, the BfS advocates for a holistic approach. Its plan integrates cleanliness, safety upgrades, and social responsibility, aiming to transform the tunnel into a functional, inclusive space for the community.
The BfS proposals offer an alternative to the city's €25 million redesign, with clear steps for immediate, medium-term, and long-term action. If adopted, the measures would address structural decay, enhance safety, and explore sustainable urban solutions. The final decision now rests with local authorities, who must weigh public opinion, cost, and the tunnel's future role in Solingen.
