Confusion about the Cologne construction site: Why isn't the dangerous intersection being repaired?

Confusion about the Cologne construction site: Why isn't the dangerous intersection being repaired?

The construction equipment is rolling in Cologne-bilderstöckchen: the asphalt on Longericher Straße is being renewed. Resident Silvan M. (23) is surprised at the need for this work. In his opinion, the road was in generally good condition before the renovation. “There is something going on,” he says and wonders why the dilapidated intersection area at the Geldernstrasse/Parkgurtel stop is not being repaired instead. The work, which began about a week ago, includes the removal and re-application of 10 to 20 centimeters of asphalt; part of this construction site has already been asphalted, as Express reports.

City spokesman Robert Baumanns has some explanations ready: The measures specifically affect the areas between house numbers 87 and 113 on Longericher Strasse and the corner of Eschenbachstrasse. The resurfacing work is expected to be completed within a week, although some areas of the road need to be repaired beforehand. Documentation of road damage was also provided. The intersection area at the Geldernstrasse stop was already repaired in April, but further repair measures are not being planned immediately, as a more comprehensive general repair is awaited here. However, this ensures traffic safety, Baumanns continues.

Further construction work in Cologne

But this is not the only construction site in the city. The renovation of the “Stommeler Straße” bus stops in the Cologne-Longerich district will begin on January 6, 2025 and will last four weeks. The stop will be made barrier-free. During the construction work, the lanes on Longericher Straße have to be narrowed, which leads to diversions and replacement stops at house numbers 531 and 538a. This information comes from the official City of Cologne website.

In the future, chunks of data that underline the fruits of optimized construction site management will be transmitted by a central construction management system. According to [IGV]. It enables faster response times in the event of traffic flow disruptions and improves the administrative workflow in the city administration in order to better inform citizens about upcoming construction work.

The view of the residents

The concerns of residents like Silvan M. are understandable; Construction sites always bring inconveniences. Residents are demanding not only clear answers to questions about the need for current work, but also information about future construction projects that could affect their routine. These concerns will be addressed in the future with the help of the new infrastructure in order to create more transparency and resolve any ambiguities.

All of these measures illustrate the city of Cologne's constant striving to improve the transport infrastructure while at the same time keeping the needs of its citizens in mind. Whether it will be possible to find a good balance here remains to be seen.