Wider cycle paths and more space for pedestrians between Donnersbergring and Groß-Gerauer Weg
The city of Darmstadt, a center of science and research, will launch a new traffic experiment on Eschollbrücker Straße at the end of June or beginning of July. The affected section is between Donnersbergring and Groß-Gerauer Weg. The necessary road marking work is scheduled to take place during the week of June 29 to July 5, 2026.
The aim of the traffic experiment is to increase road safety and reorganize the existing road space. The experiment, originally planned several years ago, was delayed due to the construction of a new housing complex and daycare center, as well as other roadworks.
The cycle lane will be significantly widened
According to the city, the existing lane widths for bicycle and car traffic in this area no longer comply with current regulations.
On the north side of Eschollbrücker Straße, the existing cycle lane will be widened from its current 1.40 meters to a usable width of 2.30 meters. It will also be equipped with a protective barrier. This measure will result in the loss of 16 parking spaces along the roadway.
More space for pedestrians on the south side
Changes are also planned on the south side. There, bicycle traffic will be routed in sections along the existing parking lane, protected from traffic. At the same time, the sidewalk will be widened from its current 1.70 meters to 3.25 meters.
The city expects this to particularly reduce the so-called "dooring hazard," where cyclists are endangered by suddenly opened car doors. The redesign will eliminate ten additional parking spaces on this side.
Test phase planned for one year
The traffic experiment will initially be set up for one year. The new markings will be yellow, as with comparable projects in Darmstadt.
During the test phase, the study will focus on how the altered traffic flow affects parking space usage. Afterwards, an assessment will be made as to whether the measures can be implemented permanently.
The city is focusing on increased road safety
Mobility officer Paul Georg Wandrey sees the project as an important step towards a balanced use of public space.
“This will create more safety and better conditions for people traveling on foot or by bicycle. At the same time, we will gain insights into how road space can be used advantageously and in a balanced way in the future, in the interest of peaceful mobility,” explains Wandrey.
In recent years, the city of Darmstadt, a center of science and research, had already conducted traffic experiments at Roßdörfer Platz, Bleichstraße/Steubenplatz, and on Neckarstraße and Zeughausstraße. These measures have now been permanently implemented.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
