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Noise pulse from A49: Residents demand protective measures after the gap is closed!
The article sheds light on the closure of the gap between the A49 and A5 in the Schwalm-Eder district, which increases traffic and causes noise to residents.
Noise pulse from A49: Residents demand protective measures after the gap is closed!
The opening of the gap between the A49 and the A5 on June 28, 2025 has brought both advantages and serious disadvantages for residents in the Edermünde area. This step, which completed the construction of the A49 from Schwalmstadt to the Ohmtal triangle on March 21, 2025, led to a significant increase in traffic. With up to 56,000 vehicles on the A49 near Edermünde every day, 17,000 more cars circle the road than before the gap was closed, which is due to long-distance traffic from the Rhine-Main area as well as from Kassel and Hanover. This development was examined in detail by the Hessische/Niedersächsische Allgemeine.
The increasing traffic volume not only brings with it more cars, but also an increase in noise. Residents report alarming noise levels, particularly at night, and a noticeable increase in heavy goods traffic. The residents of the old route are particularly affected, as they feel like “noise victims” and are demanding equivalent noise protection measures to those in the new section. The spokesman for Autobahn GmbH points out that the A49 was designed for long-distance traffic and does not serve as a regional access road.
Focus on noise protection measures
As a result of the acute noise pollution, citizens' initiatives in Edermünde have set up a noise measuring device that is presenting initial results. This shows that noise pollution on the A49, especially at night, has increased by around three decibels. While Autobahn GmbH explains that noise is measured and not calculated, the initiatives estimate additional traffic at up to 25,000 vehicles per day. These voices can be heard in the Tagesschau, which reports on the divided opinion among residents: Some see the new section of the route as an increase in quality of life, while others see the situation as threatening their existence.
The responsible authorities have several million euros at their disposal for noise abatement. In 2022, around 186 million euros were invested on federal highways. The Federal Highway Authority recently published its current data on noise protection statistics in a brochure, which can also be found on its website (https://www.fba.bund.de/DE/Meldungen/20250507_Laermschutzstatistics.html). These circumstances shed light on residents' urgent demands for more effective noise control measures, such as increasing existing noise barriers and speed limits to calm traffic.
Outlook and further developments
What happens next? The noise protection interest group A49 (IgL) is planning another meeting on September 5, 2025, at which the demands of residents and previous developments will be discussed in detail. A proposal for a speed limit of 100 km/h between Edermünde and Baunatal Süd could also be part of the agenda to take noise reduction into account.