Grabenstrasse is becoming a modern traffic miracle – renovation will start in 2026!

Grabenstrasse is becoming a modern traffic miracle – renovation will start in 2026!

The city of Cologne is facing an exciting change: Grabenstrasse is being renovated and gives hope for a new face. This topic was recently presented to the Committee on Construction, Environment, Mobility and Sustainable Development. Construction is scheduled to begin next year, which is good news for many residents and business owners.

A central element of the renovation is the redesign of the paving. The mostly listed sandstone paving stones are largely replaced by rumble paving. But don't worry: a strip in the middle of the street remains for monument protection reasons. On both sides, Grabenstrasse will be equipped with two strips of rough paving, which are slightly inclined towards the gutter strips to ensure better drainage.

Sustainable design and traffic awareness

The access areas of Grabenstrasse will have reused cobblestones, which is not only environmentally friendly but also adds to the street's charm. The roadway width of at least 3.50 meters, including 0.50 meter wide gutters, ensures that even larger vehicles can easily mount emblems.

Classic sidewalks and parking spaces are omitted in order to create a traffic-calmed area. This could particularly benefit pedestrians and cyclists. An additional green area of ​​around 12 square meters is planned, which will be landscaped with ground cover roses and will serve as an inviting retreat.

Costs and funding

The total cost of the measure is estimated at 1.4 million euros. A third of the funding is provided by the federal government, the state and the city through urban development funding. The aim of this funding is to increase the quality of urban development, reduce barriers and improve the quality of stay. The renewable cables, which will be modernized as part of the renovation, should not be forgotten either.

The tender planning is currently underway and should be completed between October and December 2025. The construction work itself is scheduled to start in February 2026, with Grabenstrasse planned to be completed in December 2026. Cologne citizens can hope for a modern and attractive street that meets both daily needs and underlines the historical flair of the surrounding area.

Valuable history in the norm

The preservation of such historic cobblestone streets has not only functional but also cultural significance. These streets are witnesses to regional craftsmanship and contribute to the enhancement of the cityscape. The building is supported and maintained by culturally and historically valuable productions, which is important not only locally but also in terms of tourism. Historically developed city centers are attractive for visitors and important for companies' location choices.

The renovation of Grabenstrasse is not only a step into the future, but also a sign of appreciation for the history and culture of Cologne. Exciting times lie ahead and anticipation for the new Grabenstrasse is growing.

For more information about the renovation and its background, you can read the articles from Holzminden News, Agriculture cook and Urban development funding visit.