Berlin’s Greens push radical fixes for Elsen Bridge gridlock crisis

A bold eight-point plan could transform one of Berlin’s worst bottlenecks. Will stricter rules and faster construction finally untangle the chaos?

, and Administrator

2025 December 10 . 10:25 PM

1 min read

In this image there are people and we can see buses on the road. In the background there are... — In this image there are people and we can see buses on the road. In the background there are buildings, trees and sky. At the top there is a bridge.

Traffic Jam at Elsen Bridge - Greens Criticize Senate - Berlin’s Greens push radical fixes for Elsen Bridge gridlock crisis

Berlin’s Green Party has called for urgent action to ease severe congestion at the Elsen Bridge. The overburdened route has pushed the group to propose strict new measures, including permanent bollards and extended police patrols. Their plan also targets better traffic flow on the nearby A100 motorway.

The Greens’ eight-point strategy focuses on clearing bus lanes and bike paths with fixed bollards and access controls. They also want round-the-clock police enforcement and smarter traffic light timings to cut delays. Another key demand is shutting a section of the A100 until the Elsen Bridge gains three lanes in each direction.

Meanwhile, construction on the bridge’s northwestern stretch is advancing quickly, with a late January completion date in sight. Once finished, this section will double the bridge’s current capacity. The Senate Department for Mobility and Transport insists traffic around the viaduct has already stabilised.

The Greens’ proposals aim to reduce gridlock by enforcing stricter access rules and boosting police oversight. If implemented, the changes could reshape traffic patterns around the Elsen Bridge and the A100. The upcoming bridge expansion may further ease pressure once it opens in early 2025.