Berlin's Abandoned Motorway: A Symbol of Citizen Power

In the heart of Berlin lies a stark reminder of a past vision for the city: an abandoned stretch of tarmac at the Autobahnkreuz Schöneberg. This remnant harks back to the 1950s and 1960s, when plans were afoot to crisscross the city centre with motorways. However, the story of this abandoned road is one of resistance and change, thanks to a determined citizen's initiative.

The Flächennutzungsplan of 1965 dreamt of a dense network of motorways in Berlin, including a ring around the city with four tangential roads slicing through the centre. Among these was the Westtangente (A103), planned to start at the abandoned Autobahnkreuz Schöneberg, passing through Tiergarten and Moabit. A tiny segment opened in 1968, but the rest remains a ghostly reminder of unfulfilled plans.

The Bürgerinitiative Westtangente was founded on March 6, 1974, to oppose the construction of this road. Initially, activists aimed to save a playground, but their efforts grew into a broader movement that reshaped Berlin's urban geography. They successfully halted the construction of several planned motorways, including the Nordtangente (A107) and the Osttangente (A102).

Today, the initiative continues its work, shifting focus from protesting highway plans to advocating for green spaces and community engagement. They organise walks, festivals, and participate in civic participation processes. Meanwhile, the abandoned tarmac at the Autobahnkreuz Schöneberg stands as a testament to their enduring impact.

The abandoned tarmac at the Autobahnkreuz Schöneberg serves as a poignant reminder of the power of citizen activism. What began as a local protest against a single road project grew into a movement that fundamentally altered Berlin's urban landscape. Today, the Westtangente remains unfinished, but the spirit of the Bürgerinitiative Westtangente lives on, advocating for a greener, more community-focused city.