Berliner Platz reopens to traffic on Friday

Following the successful completion of the geothermal drilling and the subsequent pipework, Berliner Platz will reopen to traffic and parking tomorrow, Friday. Only the immediate area around the obelisk will remain closed for logistical reasons.

The town of Bocholt will be able to lift most of the traffic restrictions on Berliner Platz by the weekend. Since work began last November, the area has been gradually restricted to vehicle traffic and use as a car park in several successive construction phases in order to make room for the heavy drilling equipment and site logistics. The complex underground construction work has now been completed on schedule, meaning that the affected asphalt and paving areas can be used safely again from Friday onwards, once the final restoration work has been finished.

As part of the construction work to provide heating and cooling for the refurbished town hall, a total of 65 geothermal probes were installed, each around 130 metres deep into the ground. The underground supply pipes have also now been successfully laid. For residents and visitors to Bocholt town centre, the reopening brings a welcome relief, as the usual parking facilities in the immediate vicinity of the town hall will be available again from this weekend.

Only the immediate area around the obelisk remains fenced off for the time being as part of the construction site barriers and for safety reasons.