Sulzburg and Laufen rush to fix crumbling stormwater drains by summer
Sulzburg and Laufen are set to begin urgent repairs on their stormwater drainage systems. The city council will vote on the contract award this Thursday, 26 March 2026. The work follows a detailed assessment revealing widespread damage to underground infrastructure.
A recent master plan uncovered significant faults in roads, water pipes, and drainage networks across Sulzburg, Laufen, and St. Ilgen. Nearly a quarter of inspection shafts and pipe sections now need repairs. The city has opted for trenchless technology, using the CIPP lining method to restore damaged conduits without extensive digging.
The contract is expected to go to a Kempten-based firm, which offered the lowest bid at around €168,800. Funding for the project was already secured in the 2026 budget, with costs to be recovered through wastewater fees over time. Work is scheduled to start immediately after approval and finish by summer. This approach mirrors similar projects in Baden-Württemberg over the past five years. Major cities like Stuttgart, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, and Heilbronn have all used CIPP lining to modernise their ageing drainage systems.
The renovation will address long-standing infrastructure issues in Sulzburg and Laufen. Once completed, the upgraded drains should reduce flooding risks and maintenance needs. The project continues a regional trend of adopting trenchless solutions for cost-effective, durable repairs.