The Road
Completion of the Road
The Kehlsteinstrasse was finally completed in October 1938, in all taking thirteen months.
Although the road was built was in an astonishing time while remaining an excellent example of fine workmanship, the construction period was not without its problems and pitfalls. One of the most significant was the discovery that at just after the halfway mark, the rocks were not of the correct type to ensure one hundred percent safety - which resulted in the building of the 150m long Südwesttunnel, also known as the Hochlenzertunnel.
Not only was this to threaten a serious delay in completing the project, it also led to unforseen increases in elevation further up the road. And on August 10th 1937, there was a serious rockslide, which killed five workmen. On January 30th the following year, three men were buried under an avalanche, although two were able to free themselves. Another casualty was Martin Bormann's driver, who was killed after sliding down a gravel hill between the Terzangerl and what was thereafter named the Giggenbachrieße.
Both the methods employed in carrying out the project, and the techniques used, have become benchmarks for silimar projects that have been carried out since, and the fact the the road has lasted as well as it has with mimimal need for repair work is testament to the high standard of engineering. Indeed, since 1960, the road has withstood a total weight of over four million tons.
Although the road was constructed to the highest possible standard, safety was and still is an ever-present concern. It is closed to the public during the winter months, and prior to its being reopened every spring, the entire area undergoes a thorough overview, which includes the area being cleared of material loosened by the contracting of the rock caused by the frost and snow. Since the opening of the road to the public in 1952, there have been no accidents.