There is already only one lane accessible on the Adlergestell in the direction of the city due to construction work on the cycle path. Since 2022, there have only been two lanes available for cars out of town due to the cycle path Photo: Sven Meissner
By Johannes Malinowski
At almost 12 kilometers, the Adlergestell is the longest street in the city. According to measurements from 2019, up to 40,000 cars and trucks drive here every day. And they will soon have less space in both directions.
The reason: the functioning cycle path for 2.5 kilometers between Altheider Straße (Adlershof) and Fennstraße (Schöneweide) towards the city center will be demolished and relocated to the road. Instead of three lanes, cars and trucks will only drive on two lanes on federal highway 96a. The measure out of town was completed in 2022.
But why is an intact cycle path being torn away and replaced by a new one?
Cyclist Frank (60) from Köpenick: “I’m torn. On the one hand, it is excessive to replace the old way, which was fine, with a new one. But the new one is nice too! Cyclists and drivers often get in each other’s way because of feelings of self-righteousness.” Photo: Michael Körner
The Treptow-Köpenick district justifies the demolition and new construction with the Berlin Mobility Act. “It does not meet the requirements for width and surface quality,” says a spokeswoman. The law requires protected cycling facilities on all main network roads. Especially on the important transport connections to the city center, said the spokeswoman. The unsealing of the existing cycle path is intended to benefit the sponge city concept, which allows more water to seep away. The work will take place in three construction phases.
The new cycle path will be colored green and separated from the roadway with plastic bollards, so-called Leitboys. The measure (costs: 800,000 euros) is financed by federal funds.