B85 closure between Kulmbach and Bayreuth: Chaos soon to be over?

B85 closure between Kulmbach and Bayreuth: Chaos soon to be over?

The B85 between Kulmbach and Bayreuth has been struggling with a full closure since May 21, 2025, which is expected to last until June 20, 2025. The reason for this measure is urgently needed renovation work that the Bayreuth State Building Authority has undertaken. These are due to age-related damage, which appears in the form of cracks, ruts and unevenness. Thanks to extensive renovation, traffic safety will be significantly increased and a noise-reducing asphalt surface will be used along the entire construction route. This is intended to reduce rolling noise for residents and road users, as confirmed by bayreuther-tagblatt.de.

Since Monday at the latest, drivers have been asked to change their routines. Traffic is redirected via Unterbrücklein, A 70 and A 9 to the Bad Berneck / Himmelkron exit. From there you can take the B303 and B289 back to Kulmbach and vice versa. This has already caused some traffic jams in the first few days.

Unpleasant detours and annoyed residents

Residents from Rothenhügl have now spoken out and expressed their dissatisfaction with the current situation. The secret routes that run through their quiet residential area are not suitable for heavy traffic and often lead to traffic jams, especially when trucks meet each other. These circumstances have cost many people nerves and tested their patience.

But the state building authority asks road users to understand the inconvenience. The construction work is being carried out by Rädlinger Straßen- und Tiefbau GmbH from Selbitz, and preparatory measures have already been taken with partial closure from May 19th to 21st, 2025. This work was necessary to record the condition of the road and to eliminate possible sources of danger, as shown in the article on frankenpost.de.

Use of street maintenance

The measures in this context concern road maintenance, which is essential for maintaining traffic routes. Road maintenance includes both road maintenance and structural road maintenance. The first refers to the elimination of sources of danger and includes maintenance work on the road body, while the second deals with structural measures on smaller areas. An important step before renovation is to record the condition in order to be able to plan the necessary work correctly, as Wikipedia explains.

In summary, it can be said that although the B85 currently represents a challenge for all road users, the upcoming renovation work can bring a positive development for road safety and the quality of life of local residents. So stay patient and pay attention to the detours!