Stau-chaos in Berlin: truck breakdown, BVG strike and bridge closures!

Stau-chaos in Berlin: truck breakdown, BVG strike and bridge closures!

Karlshorst, Berlin, Deutschland - The BVG strikes in Berlin have ended for the time being. After an intensive strike from Wednesday, 3 a.m. to Friday, 3 a.m., the BVG employees have resumed their work as planned. Several strikes were preceded by a short time, which also had massive effects on Berlin's local transport. The collective bargaining between the Verdi union and the BVG are still underway, with initial arbitration talks that begin on Friday after an agreement has been reached to avoid further strikes by April 10, such as [Tagesspiegel] (https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/bvg-streik-in-berlend-busse-und-bahnen-Wieder-Schlichtung- beginnt-13431925.html) reports.

Verdi demands 750 euros more wages per month and has initiated an ongoing coordination of permanent strikes by April 4th. The BVG, on the other hand, only offers 375 euros. This different perception of needs leads to tensions and has the traffic senator Ute Bonde Verdi criticized for her maximum demands.

traffic chaos through bridge closures

parallel to the strikes, there were massive traffic disruptions in Berlin due to closures of several bridges, in particular the Ringbahnbrücke on the A100. This was completely closed due to dangerous cracks on Wednesday evening. In addition, the Westend Bridge cannot be passed on due to damage. Drivers experienced long traffic jams, especially at the triangle radio tower, where the waiting times were considerably increasing. For commuters, the situation was extremely challenging, since many important traffic routes are affected, such as Berliner Kurier.

The traffic information center reports traffic jams in several districts and on motorways. The A113 in particular was closed due to technical problems, but have now been remedied. Road users must continue to adapt to extensive diversions, while static examinations on the bridges had to determine that their condition requires urgent repairs.

alternatives for the commuters

Despite the restrictions, some bus lines can also be put into operation during the strike. These include lines 106, 114, 118 and 204. The reinforced S-Bahn lines between Mahlsdorf and Lichtenberg are also an alternative used. This information is supplemented by [Berliner Tagessblatt] (https://www.berliner-tageblatt.de/posts/bvg-warnstreik-legt-berlin-lahm- alternative-and-effects), which also indicate the increased traffic.

Traffic senator Ute Bonde recommends switching to S- and regional trains and adapting to alternative traffic routes through the use of bicycles, e-scooters and carpools. The ongoing construction work in the city strengthens the accessibility problems to the airport and in other urban areas.

Berlin transport policy faces major challenges. The political discussion about the bridge closures and the wages of the BVG employees continue, while the city is also looking for solutions for traffic chaos.