Construction site chaos in Gießen: Alte Steinbacher Weg remains closed until 2024

Construction site chaos in Gießen: Alte Steinbacher Weg remains closed until 2024

In Gießen, the traffic situation for pedestrians and cyclists has increased considerably. The old Steinbacher Weg, an important connection between Gießen and Pohlheim, is now only accessible to construction site traffic. This is done during a construction phase at the Philosophicum II, where the renovation of House A and the Audimax has been in progress for some time.

According to the city spokeswoman Claudia Boje, access for pedestrians and cyclists is completely prohibited in this way. "The construction site is only passable for the construction companies working there and their material delivery," it is quoted. This measure is expected to remain in force until December 31, 2024. For many, this means that they have to switch to alternative routes, which is not always easy.

construction activities and their effects

In addition to the ongoing construction work on Philosophicum II, there are further barriers in the area. A previous trample path route also had to be blocked because security for pedestrians and cyclists on the narrow path cannot be guaranteed, explains LBIH spokesman Alexander Hoffmann-Glassneck. Despite a signposted detour via the university campus, which is also visualized with a banner, the information on site is often poorly visible. At one point the banner was covered by part of the construction site barrier, which is not exactly improved for cyclists and pedestrians.

A resident who regularly uses the old Steinbacher Weg criticizes the alternatives: "For cyclists, Gießen from Fernwald and Pohlheim can only be reached via the foot and cycle path next to the Schiffenberger Weg, which is often dangerous." The way mentioned is narrow and full of leaves and branches, which makes maneuvering difficult in oncoming traffic. The uncertainties may lead to dangerous situations that are not unlikely when the construction road is frequented.

The city has set up a construction road in close coordination with the road traffic authority. It is crucial that traffic safety is always in the foreground. However, residents find that the traffic volume of construction site vehicles may not currently meet their expectations. Boje explains that the picture can fluctuate during the summer vacation, as many craft companies go on vacation and thus vary the construction site.

alternatives and diversions

While the detour via the university campus appears unattractive for many cyclists, there are also shorter paths over the site of the Vitos Clinic. A spokeswoman for Vitos expresses that no increased flows of people on the clinic site have so far been observed. "It is not cordoned off," it continues. So there is the possibility to get over the clinic site. Но whether this is the best solution remains questionable.

The current overall situation on the old Steinbacher Weg requires patience from the citizens of Gießen and Pohlheim. Hoffmann-Glassneck draws attention to the fact that the continued closure is approved by the end of the year. This uncertainty could continue to affect the mobility of the residents in the region.

Insufficient signage and the ambiguity of alternative routes could finally question the use of the bike path. Many people are dependent on the use of bicycles for locomotion, and the current situation noticeably limits these options. While the work on the Philosophic II is ultimately necessary, it remains to be seen when the circumstances for pedestrians and cyclists return to normality.

The construction site as a continuous annoyance

construction sites are not unusual in Gießen, but the way the situation is handled on the old Steinbacher Weg raises questions. It remains to be hoped that the city will teach from this project to better communicate and organize future closures and diversions. In this way, detours and uncertainties for residents and visitors could be avoided completely, because the well -being and the safety of those who move in the city are just as important as the construction work.

The construction work on the Alten Steinbacher Weg are part of a larger renovation project by the city of Gießen, which aims to modernize the infrastructure and the university building. In recent years, the city has invested significant means in maintenance and expansion of its traffic routes in order to better meet the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. Various cycle paths and pedestrian zones were created to improve the connections between the districts and to promote the switch to environmentally friendly means of transport. According to the plans of the city administration, this renovation process will continue to be continued in the coming years with the aim of increasing traffic safety and comfort for all users.

When discussing construction work and traffic management in Gießen, sustainability is also an important topic. The city has committed itself to more environmentally friendly solutions, including the promotion of cycling and public transport. These efforts come together with the nationwide initiatives to reduce motorized traffic and to support alternatives that are more versatile and climate -friendly.

A look at the traffic situation

The traffic situation in Gießen reflects the challenges with which many cities are confronted, especially when it comes to balance between building activities and maintaining everyday traffic. According to the Hessian State Statistical Office, the number of registered bicycles in the city of Gießen was around 20,000 in 2022, which means an increase of 15 % compared to 2018. This shows that more and more people use the bike as a preferred means of transportation, which is positive on the one hand, but on the other hand also means that the infrastructure must be adjusted accordingly.

In addition, there are regular surveys carried out to the satisfaction of the citizens with the traffic situation. Such a survey in 2023 showed that 65 % of the respondents are dissatisfied with the existing cycle and footpaths. Missing secure routes were particularly criticized during construction sites, as are currently being found on the Alten Steinbacher Weg. These feedback is important for the city because they are considered when planning future projects.

In order to better take into account the concerns of cyclists during the construction work, close coordination between the city administration, construction company and road users is necessary. The city of Gießen has already started initiatives to set up regular feedback rounds with citizens who address those affected at an early stage. An active citizens' dialogue could also help to make alternative routes including and thus improve the user experience.

A look into the future

Gießen's transport policy will be shaped by how good the city is able to develop promptly solutions in order to meet the needs of the cycling population and pedestrians. The current construction projects, including the closures on the Alten Steinbacher Weg, could contribute to a more efficient and safe flow of traffic in the long term, provided that they are appropriately communicated and implemented. Dealing with challenges in the infrastructure is an ongoing task that requires further commitment and innovation.