IHK Ostbrandenburg, IHK Gorzów and the Special Economic Zone Kostrzyn-Słubice AG sign statement on the modernisation of road bridges
The IHK Ostbrandenburg, the Western IHK Gorzów and the Special Economic Zone Kostrzyn-Słubice AG in Kostrzyn (Küstrin) are jointly calling for the construction of new and the modernisation of existing border bridges between Germany and Poland to be expedited.
In order to emphasise this demand, the three partners signed a joint statement in Kostrzyn (Küstrin) on 3 March 2026.
In particular, they are concerned about renewed delays in the construction of the new replacement for the Küstrin-Kietz/Kostrzyn nad Odrą border bridge. Its completion was originally scheduled for the end of 2025 according to the 2019 government agreement. At the same time, they are calling for simplified administrative procedures and a regular review of existing intergovernmental agreements in order to implement infrastructure projects more quickly.
"Bridges across the Oder are key axes for the joint economic area of Poland and Germany. They enable smooth supply chains, secure skilled labour and commuter traffic, strengthen company relocations and investments and increase the region's resilience in crisis situations," explains Dr Knuth Thiel, Head of Economic Policy at IHK Ostbrandenburg. "Modern, efficient crossings are therefore not just transport projects, but a key location factor for growth, employment and cooperation on both sides of the border."
In addition to Kostrzyn/Oder, the most important cross-border bridge projects that German and Polish business representatives are pushing for include:
- expansion of the Frankfurt (Oder)-Świecko (A12/A2) motorway border bridge to six lanes
- New construction of a combined road and railway bridge north of Schwedt/Oder
- Conversion of the Ludwigsdorf-Jędrzychowice border bridge (A4/A4)
- Construction of a new border bridge in the Frankfurt (Oder)/Słubice area
Signatories of the statement are Tomasz Pisarek, Chairman of the Board/President of the Special Economic Zone Kostrzyn-Słubice AG, Antoni Sołtys, Member of the Board of the Special Economic Zone Kostrzyn-Słubice AG, Jerzy Korolewicz, President of the Gorzów Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and Dr Knut Thiel for the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Knut Thiel for the IHK Ostbrandenburg.
The IHK Ostbrandenburg is the largest organisation representing the interests of the economy between Schwedt and Eisenhüttenstadt, between Berlin and the Oder.