Velburg – October 28, 2026 -- The new bridge near Pirna, Germany, now costs about €288 million, up from an original €36 million. That is an eightfold increase, which construction cost expert Peter Burnickl attributes mainly to a delay of more than 20 years.

Inflation and energy costs compound over decades of delay

Burnickl, managing director of Pro Bauherr GmbH and a registered expert witness for construction costs and building services, says such overruns rarely trace back to a single error. In his analysis, a chain of problems drives them. Inflation, rising material prices and higher energy costs make building more expensive every year. A cost estimate drawn up decades earlier can become entirely unrealistic.

He also cites possible planning errors, late changes and poor coordination between trades as contributing factors.

Projects are rarely assessed holistically, Burnickl says

Burnickl argues that German construction projects often lack a holistic view. In his assessment, the most economical route is not always chosen, and alternatives are not sufficiently examined. Instead of comparing options on cost, construction time and long-term economic viability at the outset, decision-makers tend to stick with an initial choice. A plan that looked economical at the start can be obsolete 20 years later.

Early planning and strict cost control are the main levers

The key remedy, according to Burnickl, is early, holistic and economically driven planning. Before a major project starts, different construction methods and economic alternatives should be examined. The assessment should cover possible delays, price increases and long-term follow-on costs, not only immediate build costs.

He also calls for clear decisions and consistent cost control. Each additional year of delay adds material, energy and personnel costs that can run into the millions, he says, and public funds are at stake.