New A49 highway section to boost regional and national connectivity
With the opening of the final 30-kilometer section, the A49 highway is now fully operational – marking an important milestone for economic development in Central Hessen.
The final section of the A49 highway between Schwalmstadt and the Ohmtal interchange has officially opened to traffic, completing a long-anticipated north-south route that strengthens transport links between Northern and Central Hessen. The A49 now connects Kassel directly to the A5 near Gießen, easing congestion on parallel routes and shortening travel times for companies and commuters.
The completed A49 opens up new opportunities for the regional economy: improved access to business parks, faster connections to central logistics hubs, and enhanced attractiveness for investors considering locations in North and Central Hessen. Key industries in the area are expected to benefit from the improved infrastructure.
“For Central Hessen, closing the gap in the A49 is a big win,” said Kaweh Mansoori, Hessen’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Areas, at the opening ceremony. “It not only creates a new transportation link for people in the region but also helps ease traffic on the existing A5 and A7 highways. This improved connectivity strengthens the region as a business location, while residents in towns and villages benefit from shorter travel times and less noise in residential areas.”
The infrastructure project represents an investment of approximately €1.5 billion and was realized through a public-private partnership. The A49 Autobahngesellschaft GmbH is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the route until 2050. The company, which was founded by STRABAG Infrastrukturprojekt GmbH and Meridiam Investments SAS for this purpose, also maintains the section between Fritzlar and Schwalmstadt.
