Strausberger Platz in Friedrichshain Photo: Jörg Carstensen/dpa
From BZ/dpa
Strausberger Platz, an important traffic junction on Karl-Marx-Allee in Berlin-Friedrichshain, is to be made safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Transport Senator Manja Schreiner (CDU) started extensive renovation work on Wednesday, which is expected to last until the end of November.
According to the traffic administration, the crossing area will be made barrier-free for the blind, people with walking and visual impairments. Bike lanes will also be widened. Traffic light masts are being relocated, traffic lights are being converted to energy-saving LED technology.
Transport Senator Manja Schreiner Photo: Wolfgang Kumm/dpa
Always tricky situations
In order to be able to better control all types of traffic around the large roundabout, 30 detection devices are installed in the streets – these are systems in the road surface that record the number of cars and thus control the traffic. A separate camera recording system is planned for cycling. In a pilot project, non-contact radar sensors are being tested for pedestrians at traffic lights.
“Unfortunately, there have always been tricky situations here at this large intersection with a roundabout. We want to mitigate this with more space, better visibility and the latest technology,” explained Schreiner. “Finally, everyone can be guided around the square more smoothly and safely, i.e. pedestrian, bicycle and car traffic.”
The landmark water fountain in the middle of Strausberger Platz will continue to bubble up during the construction work. However, traffic restrictions are to be expected.