The footpath in the Kellerbergwäldchen woods in Essen-Werden remains closed.

Essen, Werden, March 25, 2026. The footpath in the Kellerberg woods at Essen-Werden near Baldeneysee remains closed. This is due to significant dangers from rockfall and boulder damage along the embankment, which is up to seven meters high and runs alongside the path. A geotechnical report confirmed that the combination of steep rock faces and damaged retaining walls poses a serious risk to pedestrians.

On March 10, the Committee for the Environment, Climate and Consumer Protection had already approved the construction of a comprehensive rock slope stabilization project. On March 25, the Essen City Council followed suit, allocating the necessary funds of approximately €372,000. The work includes covering vulnerable rock and wall sections with high-strength steel wire mesh, dismantling severely damaged retaining walls, and constructing additional protective walls. The closed footpath can only be reopened after the completion and acceptance of the measures.

In addition to securing the Kellerberg woodland, the council dealt with another major construction project in the same meeting: the renewal of the pedestrian overpass between Kupferdreh and Heisingen about the Old Railway bridge at Baldeneysee. The pedestrian overpass had already been closed previously because traffic safety could no longer be guaranteed. The administration is currently in talks with the bidders to achieve the earliest possible start of construction and completion in summer 2026, despite the cost increase. Baldeneysee.Ruhr reported¹.

With the current decisions, the city of Essen is pushing forward with two key infrastructure projects: the immediate hazard mitigation measures in the Kellerberg woods and the long-term renovation of the pedestrian overpass across the old railway bridge. Both projects, however, also illustrate how significantly rising construction and material costs are now impacting municipal investments.