Lahnstein under pressure: Citizens' initiative fights for new traffic routing!

Lahnstein under pressure: Citizens' initiative fights for new traffic routing!

In Lahnstein, the discussion about the city's transport concept is gaining momentum. The citizens' initiative “Back to original traffic routing” brings a breath of fresh air into the dialogue and calls for far-reaching changes to traffic routing. Their goal: to relieve congestion in the city center and provide clear, safe traffic routing that not only efficiently controls through traffic, but also has the well-being of residents in mind. Rhein-Zeitung reports that, among other things, the reversal of Adolfstrasse and a diversion of north-south traffic past the train station are under discussion.

In order to find a sustainable solution to the traffic situation, the controversial ring solution via Ostallee, Nordallee, Adolfstrasse and Burgstrasse should be abolished. The city administration supports these proposals as they see them as the only way to improve the current situation.

Residents' meeting and traffic calming

In the context of these changes, a residents' meeting took place on March 26, 2025 in the Lahnstein town hall, at which Mayor Lennart Siefert presented the future transport concept. Around 450 citizens listened eagerly to the plans, which envisage reducing the speed in the city center through 30 km/h zones and creating a safe north-south crossing for cyclists. According to Lahnstein.de, the concept should also help to minimize heavy goods and through traffic and increase the attractiveness for visitors and residents.

The Integrated Urban Development Concept (ISEK) from 2020 forms the basis for the measures adopted, as the city administration does not consider this to be feasible due to the high construction costs for a relief road. Instead, traffic flows will be shifted, cycling will be promoted and pedestrian zones will be improved.

Traffic calming as an opportunity

But how realistic are such measures? The Analysis by the German Institute for Urban Studies shows that traffic calming measures generally do not lead to an increase in traffic in adjacent streets. The phenomenon of “traffic evaporation”, in which the overall traffic volume decreases after interventions, could also become a reality in Lahnstein. Significant declines in traffic volume have been demonstrated in special projects.

With the planned measures, a similar development could also occur in Lahnstein: fewer cars mean more space for pedestrians and cyclists and thus promote the quality of life in the city. What is clear is that increasing safety for road users is the focus and this could also strengthen local retail, studies show.

The concerns of residents, particularly regarding accessibility by the fire department and connections to public transport, were also addressed at the meeting. However, the military management has confirmed accessibility, while further discussions are planned with transport companies and the district administration about the connection. An exciting exchange that shows that “there is something going on” in Lahnstein – both for the citizens and for urban development.