By Stefan Peter and Sara Orlos Fernandes
In the middle of the morning traffic on Thursday, the access roads to the Schlangenbader Tunnel were closed indefinitely with barriers. The tunnel has safety deficiencies. It’s not just drivers who are concerned.
The residents around the Breitenbachplatz fear chaos on the surrounding streets, because the closed section of the Steglitz junction must now be bypassed. Particularly annoying: Many motorists could not prepare for the spontaneous emergency closure, and there are no diversion signs so far.
Marion Nolting (69): “Many now have to drive through the narrow streets in the residential areas. We already have a lot of noise because high-rise buildings are being built next to us. Now this. It’s impossible.” Photo: Ufuk Ucta
“It must be signposted where to go in the direction of Charlottenburg. So many drive into Dillenburger Strasse, which is a dead end. That’s stupid, especially for the residents,” says resident Marion Nolting (69). Like her, many fear that it will be even louder here in the future.
Heinrich Kaulen (68): “Of course, traffic will not flow as before, that will lead to traffic jams. If something needs to be done, I understand. But I don’t believe that I will live to see the dismantling of the bridge.” Photo: Ufuk Ucta
CDU MP Adrian Grasse (48) also criticized the sudden closure of the car tunnel. “A poisoned farewell gift from Mrs. Jarasch,” said the politician to the BZ. “Shortly before the handover, facts should be created again.”
The Union is also for the demolition of the motorway bridge at the neighboring Breitenbachplatz, “but of course the traffic must continue to flow through the city”.
Fabian Schmitz-Grethlein (SPD), district councilor for urban development in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, is angry with the Jarasch authority: “Months ago we asked about northern traffic – without any reaction.”
Sabine K. (68): “I assume that the traffic in the small streets will increase. It could lead to chaos. Especially between cyclists and motorists. I find it particularly questionable that this came so suddenly without any announcement.” Photo: Ufuk Ucta
The Senate administration is questioning whether the tunnel on Schlangenberger Strasse will ever be opened to traffic again, since the dismantling of the two motorway bridges that cannot be renovated is also planned. This should make the Breitenbachplatz more attractive. If the local residents have their way, nobody here believes that the square will be revived.