Large footpath construction site in front of the Stadion am Bieberer Berg

During the work, the responsible department head and city treasurer Martin Wilhelm met with Melanie Gessner, head of the civil engineering department of Stadtwerke Offenbach, which commissioned the work, at the construction site and was informed about the footpath renewals in the city area.

"This year, 2,000 square meters of footpaths have already been repaired, which is already as many as last year. More are planned for this year, including in Schubertstraße and Bleichstraße," says Martin Wilhelm. "This is possible because the city is spending more money on repairs to roadways, cycle paths and sidewalks in 2024. A total of €2.5 million will be available to the Stadtservice of Stadtwerke 2024 for this purpose. This more than doubles the amount compared to last year. The Stadtservice's civil engineering department will receive a further €84,000 to repair sidewalk damage caused by tree roots. We know that there is a need for more, but we have to limit ourselves in view of the city's finances."

"Even during OFC home matches, Bieberer Straße is packed with fans, very few of whom pay attention to the sidewalk. That's why it was a matter of urgency to comply with the traffic safety obligation and repair the damage to the sidewalk," explained Melanie Gessner.

In general, the civil engineering department receives feedback on the condition of the sidewalks from its street walkers, who walk each one individually at set intervals. Broken and raised sidewalk slabs are also reported via the defect detector. When deciding where there is an acute need for repair, the frequency of use of the path plays a role in addition to the traffic safety obligation.