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The mobility compromise is intended to bring safety and clarity for all road users
The city of Darmstadt will begin implementing the planned reorganization of the streetscape on Dieburger Straße and Alexanderstraße later this year. This was announced by Head of Mobility Paul Georg Wandrey on Monday, December 22nd, during a site visit. The reorganization is based on a comprehensive compromise within the framework of the so-called "Mobility Peace Agreement," which was approved by a large majority of the city council after years of discussion.
The plan, developed by Wandrey back in 2024, proposes reorganizing the street space through markings and signage. The goal is a legally sound, clear, and functional solution for all modes of transport. Only one faction voted against the concept; all other factions supported its implementation.
Clearer structures for car, bicycle and pedestrian traffic
The overall project comprises several coordinated steps. These include a complete remarking of Dieburger Straße, additional parking spaces where traffic conditions permit, modern cycle lanes, and the removal of the previous shared use of the sidewalk for cyclists. Furthermore, a continuous cycle route will be created from Dieburger Straße via Alexanderstraße to the city ring road to significantly improve the cycling network.
"This is a deliberately negotiated compromise," Wandrey emphasizes. "It brings together different interests and translates them into a solution that works in everyday life."
30 km/h as a first step
As early as the first phase, in 2025, the maximum speed limit will be reduced to 30 km/h. In the future, a 30 km/h speed limit will apply from Dieburger Straße, house number 232, to the Schlossgraben (castle moat) on Alexanderstraße – a stretch of approximately 2.1 kilometers. This is intended to achieve short-term improvements in road safety and order.
According to the head of the mobility department, the speed limit is a key component of the overall solution. It serves primarily to protect visitors to adjacent facilities such as the hospital, children's hospital, nursing home, and daycare center. This section has repeatedly seen a high number of accidents in the past. Furthermore, a 30 km/h speed limit between Pützerstraße and Wolfskehlstraße allows for the safe navigation of bicycle traffic within the mixed traffic flow, as dedicated bike lanes are not feasible there.
Further measures from 2026 onwards
The marking of new parking spaces on the outer Dieburger Straße, as well as the cycle lanes including red coloring, are planned for spring 2026, as soon as weather conditions permit. Large-area markings cannot be applied permanently and to a high standard in wet, cold weather. The replacement of the paving strip on Alexanderstraße and the adjustment of the cycle lane will take place as part of the planned resurfacing work there and will be coordinated with it.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/dk)
