District heating, new buildings, demolition: Why the campus is currently a major construction site
Torn-up roads, construction vehicles everywhere, blocked access roads—every morning brings a new challenge on the way to work. It's not uncommon to have to make two or three attempts, because the main campus at Universitätsplatz is currently a huge construction site that is demanding a lot from everyone. Editor Ines Perl spoke with Chancellor Angela Matthies about the construction work, road closures, parking spaces, and potholes in the access road.
What construction sites are currently active on the campus at Universitätsplatz and the access roads?
On the main campus, these are currently mainly the major projects to implement the university's Energy Concept 2020 and the construction of a new student meeting center. Further plans include the demolition of the “barracks” and the construction of a new central supply facility (ZVA), including a new district heating transfer point, next to the vehicle fleet.
However, smaller measures, such as the renovation of the microelectronics and microsystems technology laboratories in building 09/10 and the renewal of the cooling systems in building 10, will also have an impact on the situation on campus. In addition, Hohenstaufenring and two access roads to the campus will be closed until the end of the year.
Why is Hohenstaufenring closed?
This is a measure taken by Städtische Werke Magdeburg (SWM), about which the university was only informed at short notice on June 26, 2025. Its main purpose is to supply our campus with heat, as mentioned above. Since this is being converted to district heating, the corresponding supply lines must be laid.
Picture: Ines Perl
How can I access the main campus by car? What about people with disabilities – visually impaired, wheelchair users?
Access to the main campus by car is currently only possible via the road at Building 22. If there is no other way to get there, we recommend parking your car in one of the other OVGU parking lots or in public parking lots and then walking to the main campus.
For people with disabilities, the situation is currently more difficult than usual. We all need to be a little more attentive and considerate. If it is known that people with disabilities will be participating, it should be considered whether events, seminars, exercises, etc. should be moved to buildings that are accessible.
What alternative parking options are available or could be created?
Parking spaces are still available at Building 40 and in the parking lot on Ernst-Lehmann-Straße, as well as at Building 23, Sports Hall 3, and Building 29. Since the university is aiming for a relatively low-traffic campus in the future, there are no plans to create alternative parking spaces.
The remaining entrance to the main campus along Building 22 currently functions according to the principle of “hole by hole and still holding.” When will it be repaired?
Once the measures to implement the energy concept and the other construction projects have been completed, the road will be resurfaced with asphalt. It does not make sense to do this beforehand, as the new surface would immediately be exposed to heavy construction traffic again. The road will also have to be opened again for the district heating connection. However, the deep potholes on the access road will be levelled on 19 July 2025 for the transition.
Picture: Ines Perl
Why is there currently such a high volume of trucks on campus?
One reason is the regular arrivals and departures due to the earthworks for the implementation of the Energy Concept 2020. However, the excavation of the construction pit for the new meeting center and the upcoming demolition of the barracks are also contributing to the increased number of trucks on campus. Therefore, we can only appeal to all road users: Mutual caution and consideration, as well as compliance with the maximum speed limit of 10 km/h on campus, are of utmost importance here.
Why does construction have to take place simultaneously at all corners of the campus?
Construction funds are allocated in annual tranches, and construction work can only begin after the funds have been allocated. In addition, a project as extensive and complicated as the implementation of the energy concept can only be carried out in sensible stages, which sometimes have to run parallel to each other.
The current district heating supply contract expires on December 31, 2025. By then, the measures must be brought to a stage that ensures that the new district heating can be distributed to all buildings on the main campus via the new route in 2026.
When will the disruption caused by all the construction sites be over?
The construction work for the Energy Concept 2020, including ZVA, will continue until 2026. At the same time, the student meeting center is to be completed. The demolition of the barracks should only affect the campus for a few weeks.
The main campus at Universitätsplatz is facing further major changes in the coming years with the implementation of the master plan, such as the redesign of open and green spaces and the construction of a parking garage. Therefore, construction work at OVGU as a whole will probably not be completed anytime soon and will continue well beyond 2026. But then, hopefully, there won't be such massive restrictions as there are now, and we can look forward to an energy-efficient, attractive, and climate-friendly green campus.
Of course, we're aware of the significant disruption and are therefore especially grateful for any constructive comments or suggestions.
Ms. Matthies, thank you very much for talking to us.