Oberbergischer Kreis: March 2026 – Focus on Infrastructure, Education, and Mobility

Infrastructure, Education, and Mobility in the Spotlight

What Was Important This Month

• New Special Needs School Planned: The district council approved the construction of a third special needs school with a focus on "Intellectual Development."
• Educational Programs Expanded: A new 2-year educational program in Business and Administration will be established at the Commercial Vocational College.
• Cycling Topics on the Agenda: The Greens' proposal for a Cycling Round Table was accepted.
• Special Commuter Fare: The price for the "Adult" single ticket in the VRS network will be reduced from 5.50 € to 4.50 €.
• Funding for School Construction: 2 million euros were approved for the expansion of the special needs school site in Oberwiehl.
• Environmental and Nature Conservation: The landscape plan "Oberberg-Süd" is being developed, with early public participation.

Education and Infrastructure: Focus on Future Security

March 2026 was marked by fundamental decisions for the educational and infrastructural development of the Oberbergischer Kreis. One of the central measures was the approval of the expansion of the special needs school site in Oberwiehl. The construction, which will cost a total of 2.89 million euros, is being financed through an unplanned disbursement of 2 million euros from unused projects such as AGewiS III and the district heating renovation.

In addition, the district council approved the construction of a third special needs school within the district. The focus is on support for "Intellectual Development." This project is part of the infrastructure planning under the North Rhine-Westphalia plan, with a third of the costs covered by funding.

Another milestone was the introduction of a new educational program in Business and Administration at the Commercial Vocational College. The 2-year upper secondary school branch will be operational from August 2026 and has been approved by the Regional Council of Cologne.

Mobility: Commuters Benefit, Cycling Discussed

In the area of mobility, concrete improvements were made for commuters: the special fare for 2a customers was approved. The cost of the single ticket will decrease from 5.50 euros to 4.50 euros, funded by cost coverage from the OVAG within the VRS fare reform.

In addition, the district council faction BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN advocated for a Cycling Round Table. The proposal was accepted and is part of the agenda for future meetings. In the construction committee meeting, a proposal for a cycle and pedestrian path on the K46 in Gummersbach-Talbecke was also discussed.

Another topic was the cross-border cooperation in public transport. The council approved an agreement with the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis to fully take over the lines 310, 261, 421, and 440, and jointly manage the lines 335, 426, 427, and 429.

Environment and Nature Conservation: Landscape Plans and New Rescue Station

In the area of environment and nature conservation, it was decided to create the landscape plan "Oberberg-Süd". The plan includes the areas of Morsbach, Waldbröl, and Nümbrecht. A draft plan will be developed for early public and authority participation. The council also approved an unplanned disbursement of 25,000 euros for the planning.

Another focus was the construction of a rescue station in Engelskirchen. The council approved the purchase of a plot of land valued at approximately 600 euros to secure the location.

Final Summary and Outlook

March 2026 was a month of far-reaching decisions in the areas of education, infrastructure, and mobility. The Oberbergischer Kreis is investing strategically in the future of its residents by building new schools, expanding educational programs, and relieving commuters.

In April, the further planning of the special needs school and the implementation of the mobility concept will be in the foreground. In addition, the Cycling Round Table, which will serve as a central forum for traffic planning, is expected.

With these measures, the Oberbergischer Kreis demonstrates how future-oriented and citizen-friendly political work can be.