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Traffic study confirms safe and efficient solution for all types of traffic
The Darmstadt city , in its meeting on Wednesday (28th), took note of the results of the traffic study regarding bicycle traffic management on Kasinostraße and decided to commission a preliminary design. Following a corresponding resolution by the city assembly in February, the administration can begin further planning.
"The city of Darmstadt is thus setting the course for a future-proof cycling infrastructure on Kasinostraße," explains Head of Mobility Paul Georg Wandrey . The comprehensive traffic study and simulation for the section between Rheinstraße and Frankfurter Straße has shown that a safe, compliant cycling facility is feasible while maintaining the capacity of all modes of transport. The goal is a balanced and compatible allocation of road space, promoting harmonious mobility and traffic flow.
Focus on road safety and performance
The traffic study was commissioned based on a city council proposal from 2023 and followed clearly defined criteria. Traffic safety was the top priority. All examined options are based on the assumption of road users complying with traffic regulations and must meet current safety standards. At the same time, the traffic system for motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and public transport should remain efficient. In particular, traffic congestion should be avoided and the proven public transport priority system in Darmstadt should be maintained.
The study was based on traffic counts at relevant intersections in 2024, the evaluation of historical data to realistically depict traffic volumes despite the closure of the Rheinstraße bridge, and traffic simulations for the entire Kasinostraße and the parallel Dolivostraße in the forecast year 2025. Various cross-sections and variants were examined in an iterative process.
Result: Protected cycle paths possible for the majority
The study results show that over 60 percent of the route can be implemented as a protected cycle path with a safety buffer zone and sufficient width for cyclists to overtake. In the remaining sections, cycle lanes are predominantly feasible. Only in the southern arm of the Kasino- and Bismarckstraße intersection is it necessary, due to the narrowness of the space and the high volume of traffic, to route cyclists using the right-turn lane for motor vehicles. This solution will be accompanied by special safety and marking measures and represents the safest and most efficient option under the given circumstances.
At the intersection of Rheinstrasse and Neckarstrasse, the simulations also show improvements for motor vehicle traffic compared to the current situation. The planned implementation is based primarily on road marking work and adjustments to the traffic signal system. No major structural interventions are planned; only minor adjustments to individual median islands may be necessary.
Next Steps
Following the planned resolution by the city council in February, a draft plan will be developed and presented to the city administration in 2026. The construction of the approximately 1,600-meter-long route will take place in several phases. Simultaneously, coordinated information sessions for all affected stakeholders are planned. A traffic impact assessment is scheduled after completion of the project.
“With this approach, we are creating a verifiable, step-by-step implementation that increases safety, maintains efficiency and makes a real contribution to traffic peace in Darmstadt,” Wandrey concluded.
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/Stip)
