Weir "Brüggenhütte" is now easy to pass for everyone

The "Rothe Spieker" weir on the Bocholter Aa, just before the "Brüggenhütte" restaurant, is now barrier-free. This is good news for all those who have to cross the river at this point on the popular cycle and hiking path. The weir can now be passed comfortably and easily. The old steps, which were an obstacle especially for cyclists and handicapped people, are a thing of the past.

Wheelchair-accessible and standard-compliant approach ramps now make the crossing possible without any problems. On both sides there are waiting areas for wheelchair users in case of oncoming traffic. In addition, the railings were renovated and secured. Finally, the flooring was reworked. Representatives of the district of Borken and the cities of Bocholt and Aalten (Netherlands) now officially opened the structure after the reconstruction.

Volunteer group "Go Dinxperwick" proposes reconstruction

The suggestion and wish to convert the bridge at the weir to barrier-free came from the volunteers of the group "Go Dinxperwick", in which German and Dutch citizens plan and carry out projects on a voluntary basis. As a member of the group, Wilhelm Schepers from Suderwick supported the construction project.

The district of Borken, as the authority responsible for the facility, then decided to carry out the barrier-free conversion as part of the maintenance work, more or less as a "small interim solution" until the weir facility was renewed. With the exception of the ramps, most of the work was carried out by the district authority itself in consultation with the towns of Bocholt and Isselburg, on whose municipal boundaries the weir is located. The reconstruction cost around 50,000 euros and was built from May to July 2023.

Voices

Dr Ansgar Hörster, District Director of the District of Borken: "The bridge, which in the past could only be crossed by climbing three steps, is now barrier-free: this is a real added value for everyone. On behalf of the district of Borken, I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this. Special thanks go to Mr Schepers for his consistency in always keeping an eye on the building project."

Thomas Kerkhoff, Mayor of Bocholt: "The bridge is a necessary gap closure of a cycle path connecting Germany and the Netherlands and the adjacent cities. I myself appreciate being able to travel with a child's buggy without obstacles. The accessibility of the cycle paths includes several goals: friendship between cities, friendship between countries, climate issues and the promotion of tourism. Furthermore, the renovation has shown that the public sector can also implement necessary things in the short term."

Anton Stapelkamp, Mayor of Aalten: "A compliment to the commitment of the volunteers, which led to the quick implementation of the project.