Technology at the intersection in Eberstadt will be modernized starting March 30th
The Mobility and Civil Engineering Office of the City of Darmstadt will be renewing the complete technology of the traffic light system at the intersection of Pfungstädter Straße, Walther-Rathenau-Straße and Uhlandstraße in the Eberstadt district from Monday, March 30th, to Thursday, April 2nd.
Preparatory work will begin as early as Thursday, March 26. During this phase, the existing traffic light system will remain in operation. It will be taken out of service during the main construction work. Traffic will be regulated by construction signage during this time. For pedestrians, median islands will be installed along the crossings as additional waiting areas.
New LED technology and acoustic signals
Head of Transport Paul Georg Wandrey explains that the system dates back to the early 1990s. Spare parts are no longer available for the existing control unit. To ensure traffic safety and operational reliability, the control unit and the entire outdoor system, including signal heads and request buttons, will be replaced.
As part of the modernization, the traffic signals will be converted to energy-saving LED technology. In addition, the pedestrian crossings will be equipped with acoustic signals to enable blind and visually impaired people to cross safely. The cost of the project amounts to approximately 50,000 euros.
A roundabout is planned in the future
Regardless of the current construction work, the traffic situation at the intersection is to be further developed in the long term. The Mobility and Civil Engineering Office has been tasked with beginning the planning for a modified traffic flow. The construction of a roundabout is planned.
According to the head of the transport department, this is a large and complex project. Replacing the traffic light technology will first bring the existing control system up to modern standards. The new technology can then be reused at another location during a later reconstruction.
Traffic disruptions are to be expected during the construction period.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
