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Dirt road closure in Coesfeld: Test phase brings new traffic problems!
Results of the test closure of the dirt road in Coesfeld: Extension of the traffic test and effects on residents.
Dirt road closure in Coesfeld: Test phase brings new traffic problems!
In Coesfeld, the recently completed test closure of the dirt road caused a stir. After three months of extensive testing, the results of these measures will be reported to the planning committee on Thursday, June 26th. The aim is to extend the traffic test over a whole year in order to carry out a detailed assessment of the traffic situation. The city hopes that the closure will relieve pressure on the traffic-calmed area, where speed problems have repeatedly been identified. Residents had wanted such a change, but were also concerned about possible traffic diversions that could result from the closure. The shift of traffic to Buchholzweg during the closure caused headaches for some residents, reports Radio Kiepenkerl.
As the city of Coesfeld reports on its website, a bollard was installed on the dirt road today to block the passage for through traffic. The measures to close the dirt road were decided by the city council in autumn 2023. The bollard was originally supposed to be installed in spring 2024, but technical delays and personnel shortages caused this plan to falter. In the next three months, a traffic count will also be carried out on the neighboring Buchholzweg. The aim is to gather information about the effects of the closure and possible changes in vehicle traffic.
Observations and expectations
The city administration sees the current situation as necessary in order to obtain well-founded data. However, according to reports from Radio Kiepenkerl, it remains to be seen how traffic will spread after the dirt road is reopened to through traffic. Although the Buchholzweg has seen less traffic in recent months, the conclusions still need to be examined in detail. The CDU parliamentary group also plans to discuss the topic again at the next meeting of the Planning and Building Committee.
Similar to many other transport infrastructure projects, this project shows how important it is to involve local residents in the planning process. Traffic calming is not just about reducing the speed of vehicles, but also about improving the living space for all road users. Initiatives like these should therefore always be subject to broad discussion in order to achieve acceptance and understanding among the population. Measures such as closures play a central role in improving the quality of life in the residential area and slowing down traffic. This could also have a positive impact on local retail, as suggested by the traffic calming theory.
The city of Coesfeld is showing great commitment to tracking the progress of the traffic surveys. The results of the in-depth traffic count will not only be important for future steps in the Hengte area, but will also be discussed in detail in various specialist committees. This could have a decisive impact on future transport strategies in the city.
Traffic calming measures are deeply rooted in urban planning and aim to balance urban planning goals with the needs of local residents. It remains to be seen whether the measures taken will actually lead to an improvement in the traffic situation. Ultimately, this test closure could be a first step towards a more sustainable and livable Coesfeld.