Traffic chaos in Ehrenfeld: traffic jam after the Widdersdorf underpass was closed

Traffic chaos in Ehrenfeld: traffic jam after the Widdersdorf underpass was closed

The traffic situation on Widdersdorfer Straße in Cologne is becoming increasingly critical. Today, June 16, 2025, the underpass from Widdersdorfer Straße to Girlitzweg was officially closed to traffic. This was done with the aim of increasing the safety of the students on Girlitzweg, who are often at risk on their way to schools on Wasseramselweg, as is the case Cologne City Gazette reported.

The measure has been called for for a long time, but the consequences are now clearly noticeable: residents complain about morning traffic jams on Widdersdorfer Straße that extend to the military ring, especially during rush hours between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. The situation is also made worse by the unloading of cars in front of the car dealerships on Widdersdorfer Straße.

Traffic violations and measures

A spokesman for the city has confirmed that the increased traffic volume is partly due to a ban on turning onto Girlitzweg. At the same time, there was only one-way traffic on Stolberger Straße, an important alternative route, due to work by Rhein-Energie, but these measures have now been completed. The abolition of the one-way street should help to relieve congestion on Widdersdorfer Straße.

In order to get the traffic load under control better, the city is having the performance of the intersections with Widdersdorfer Straße checked by an external expert. The results of this review are expected at the beginning of July, and possible relief measures should then be implemented as quickly as possible.

Problem of unloading

The city has also recognized the abuses in the unloading of vehicles in the second row in front of the car dealerships. The public order office is active in this area and is monitoring the situation as much as possible. It is clearly stated that clear violations of the road traffic regulations, such as double parking, will not be tolerated. There is also a designated loading zone in front of one of the car dealerships, but the public order office has no legal options against loading and unloading there.

But it is not only in Ehrenfeld that there is an increased volume of traffic. There are also construction sites on the A1 and A3 motorways that are causing traffic disruptions: road narrowings are underway on both the A1 and A3. The area between Burscheid and Cologne-Deutz is particularly affected, so road users have to expect traffic jams here Viamichelin determines.

The challenges in the transport sector are therefore complex, and everyone involved is called upon to adhere to the applicable regulations in order to improve the situation. The traffic situation will remain tense until new measures are implemented.