On December 13, 2023, the state parliament voted on whether the state government should initiate field trials with scientific support at the request of several parliamentary groups. The influences of trucks with a total weight of up to 44 tons are to be tested in three pilot projects. This test phase is to last three years and the main focus is to be on regular local transportation.

As a result of the vote, the positive debate in favor of the project was announced by the majority of the parties.

The pilot project now approved by the state parliament is to be scientifically monitored by the Fraunhofer Institute and scientific data is to be collected. 

Infrastructure Minister Lydia Hüskens commented: "In addition to the effects on rail freight traffic, CO2 balance, noise emissions, traffic safety and traffic flow, the accompanying research will also focus on the structural condition of the transport infrastructure."

Exact route sections have not yet been determined. Finsterwalder is confident that he will be able to handle transports from the industrial regions of Schkopau and Leuna to Halle (Saale) as part of the pilot project. However, there are always two sides to such a project. Finsterwalder relies on good cooperation with our long-standing partners from the chemical industry.