Neckart air filter structures being deconstructed
In the heart of Stuttgart, the Neckartor intersection, once notoriously known for its poor air quality, has seen significant transformation thanks to a joint project between the state of Baden-Württemberg, the city of Stuttgart, and Ludwigsburg-based company MANN+HUMMEL. The project, initiated in late 2018, involved the installation of air filter columns, initially equipped with pure fine dust filters, later converted to activated carbon combination filter elements in April 2019, and expanded to 23 more powerful filter columns in August 2020. Despite extensive air purification measures, nitrogen dioxide limit values were not being met at Neckartor. The air filter columns were a necessary step to address this issue. A scientific accompanying study confirmed an average reduction performance of the Filter Cubes of fine dust PM and nitrogen dioxide (NO) by around nine to ten percent in the area of the sidewalk and even above near the buildings. Since their commissioning in 2018, concentrations of fine dust PM and nitrogen dioxide at Neckartor have decreased. The Europe-wide binding NO limit values of 40 micrograms per cubic meter of air have been met at Neckartor since 2020, a significant achievement for the project. This success is attributed not only to the air filter columns but also to a comprehensive package of eco-friendly transportation, traffic restrictions, and other filter installations, which collectively helped Stuttgart meet its air pollution limits from 2020 onwards. The operation of the air filter columns at Neckartor, however, came at a cost. Over two million euros were spent on their operation. The ongoing dismantling of the air filter columns, which began in December 2018, is now underway. This dismantling is related to extensive construction measures on the federal highway 14/Cannstatter Straße. The city of Stuttgart is coordinating the dismantling process. The filters at Neckartor were gradually reduced in performance from April 2023 and were finally switched off in autumn 2024. The dismantling of the air filter columns relieves the household budgets, providing a financial benefit in the long run. The state of Baden-Württemberg and project partner MANN+HUMMEL have drawn a positive conclusion from the successful but costly project. Many other existing measures of the Stuttgart Air Cleaning Plan, such as the strong expansion of the environmental network and the traffic bans for older diesel vehicles, continue to reduce air pollution in the whole city and protect the health of the entire population. For any inquiries regarding this project, please contact the Ministry of Transport in Baden-Württemberg via their Press Office or Citizen's Representative. The University of Stuttgart is responsible for the performance of the filter cubes in this project.
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