New cycle path and full closure: This is how Metzer Straße is improving!

New cycle path and full closure: This is how Metzer Straße is improving!

Extensive construction work is underway on Metzer Straße in Saarbrücken, which will affect both the traffic infrastructure and the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. The rehabilitation work on the roadway will begin on July 18th and will be carried out in several phases. This construction work is part of the project to improve the cycling infrastructure announced by Mayor Uwe Conradt. The aim is to create a new walking and cycling path over a distance of 1.4 kilometers. The work is almost complete and the pedestrian and cycle path will be usable in both directions.

As part of the measures, the new path will be 3.25 meters wide and separated from the road by a two-meter-wide green strip, which will be planted with over 70 new trees. In addition, the barrier-free redesign of several crossing points and five bus stops are planned to improve accessibility for all road users. The city administration emphasizes that paved safety separation strips will also be set up in the “Am Hauptfriedhof” access area.

Construction process and traffic diversions

The construction work on Metzer Straße is divided into four sections, which require a full closure. The first section extends from the ZF roundabout to Zinzinger Straße and will be closed until the end of July. The second section concerns the area from Zinzinger Straße to the “Zum Zollstock” junction and is closed until August 7th. The third section, from “Zum Zollstock” to the ZF factory/Orangeriestrasse, will be closed from August 8th to 20th. The final section extends from the ZF factory to the border with France, with work completed at the end of August.

Particular attention was paid to traffic diversions. Access to the A6 motorway is via a bypass at the roundabout. Traffic to and from France will be rerouted via the motorway. During construction, residents will only be able to access their properties on foot or by bicycle, requiring residents to park their vehicles outside of the construction site.

Residents and information

There are already complaints from residents about the lack of information about the closure. Many are particularly concerned about accessibility for nursing staff and emergency services during construction. However, the city of Saarbrücken has assured that emergency vehicles will have access to the construction site at all times. ZF is also temporarily opening additional parking spaces to ease the situation for residents. The city points out that disturbances at construction sites cannot always be avoided, while construction site personnel take care of emptying garbage cans that residents must label with house numbers.

Overall, the numerous measures aim to sustainably improve safety and infrastructure on Metzer Straße. The focus is not only on strengthening cycling, but also on increasing the quality of life for all road users in Saarbrücken.

For further information on the planned construction work and the associated measures to improve the transport infrastructure, you can read the articles from Saarbrücken newspaper and VEP Saarbrücken consult.