Koblenz overhauls traffic measures after safety and congestion backlash
Koblenz Adjusts Traffic Trial on Peter-Altmeier-Ufer After Criticism
The city of Koblenz is responding to criticism of its traffic experiment along Peter-Altmeier-Ufer and modifying its measures. According to municipal authorities, construction work will begin on Tuesday, April 28, and is expected to last about three weeks. During this period, temporary traffic disruptions should be anticipated. The adjustments follow months of debate and an initial evaluation of the project, which launched last year.
City Responds to Public Criticism
The original design, featuring mobile lane narrowings, had sparked controversy since its introduction. Critics argued that the chokepoints created hazardous conditions for cyclists and caused unnecessary congestion. In response, the city announced it would closely monitor and analyze the situation—findings that have now been released.
Preliminary traffic counts and observations painted a mixed picture. While car traffic had slightly decreased and fewer cyclists were using the sidewalk, the city acknowledged that the primary goal—enforcing the 30 km/h speed limit—had not been achieved. Officials cited rapid acceleration after the narrowings and their ineffectiveness without oncoming traffic as key reasons. Additionally, cyclists continued to use the sidewalk when faced with congestion.
Speed Bumps Aim to Improve Safety
Based on these findings and public feedback, the traffic layout is now being revised. Several of the mobile chokepoints—such as those near the transition to Leinpfad and the pedestrian crossing to Alte Burg—will be removed. Instead, multiple speed bumps will be installed, each featuring a 1.5-meter-wide gap to allow cyclists to pass unimpeded while slowing motorized traffic.
The three remaining chokepoints will also be retrofitted with these cyclist-friendly gaps and supplemented with pictograms. The goal is to reduce frequent stop-and-go situations and improve compliance with the speed limit. The city plans to continue monitoring the updated traffic system and will conduct another review after an adjustment period of six to twelve months.
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