Controversy over A100 simulation: Autobahn GmbH clears Senator for Transport Bonde

Berlin’s Transport Senator Ute Bonde has faced sharp criticism over traffic planning for the A100 highway. Questions arose after she claimed an updated traffic study existed before the 16th construction phase opened in August 2025. Initially, the federal Autobahn GmbH stated the last study dated back to 2010, leaving Bonde under pressure.

The dispute centred on whether a recent simulation had been carried out for the busy Elsen-Brücke junction between Alt-Treptow and Friedrichshain, where severe congestion is expected to last until at least January 2026.

The controversy began when Bonde insisted a traffic simulation had been conducted ahead of the 16th construction phase. Critics, including Green Party transport expert Antje Kapek and SPD politician Tino Schopf, questioned her statement. The Autobahn GmbH initially supported the 2010 claim, adding to doubts about Bonde’s accuracy.

However, on Friday morning, the Autobahn GmbH corrected its position. It confirmed that a 2024 simulation did exist—a 59-page report titled *Planfall 2024 nach Inbetriebnahme des 16. BA – Ergebnisse der makroskopischen und mikroskopischen Modellierung*. The document, dated November 2024, analysed traffic flows at the Am Treptower Park junction and surrounding roads. Despite this, the study still predicted persistent jams at Elsen-Brücke until late January 2026, when the first phase of bridge construction finishes. The Senate Department for Mobility and Transport has since stated that improvements are in progress. Meanwhile, the Green Party proposed an eight-point plan to tackle the ongoing traffic crisis. While Bonde was formally cleared after the simulation’s existence was verified, calls for her resignation had already surfaced from opposition leaders.

The updated traffic simulation confirms that congestion at Elsen-Brücke will remain a problem until at least January 2026. Bonde’s initial claims were eventually verified, but the political fallout highlighted frustrations over Berlin’s traffic management. Authorities now face pressure to implement solutions as the city waits for construction work to ease gridlock.