Alsterweg in Hamburg: Darkness remains despite an investment of 150,000 euros!

Alsterweg in Hamburg: Darkness remains despite an investment of 150,000 euros!

The Alsterweg in Harvestehude seems to be in the dark at the moment: many mast lamps along the popular footpath between the Krugkoppelbrücke and Alte Rabenstrasse are broken. Walkers and cyclists often have to travel in the dark. Loud NDR The government factions of the SPD and the Greens promised in February to improve the gloomy situation and to provide 150,000 euros from the Hamburg renovation fund for an urgently needed renewal of the lighting.

However, no corresponding measures have been implemented so far. Hamburger Verkehrsanlagen GmbH (HHVA) is responsible for maintaining the lighting, but the repair work is still waiting to be carried out. With new funds from the Eimsbüttel district office, which have now been made available by the finance and environmental authorities, the HHVA will soon receive the order to tackle the renovation. It is planned that the work will be completed by December.

Modern and environmentally friendly lighting

The new lighting concept stipulates that the new lamps contain less blue in order to minimize the attraction of insects. This is in accordance with the recommendations of NABU, which points out the problem of light pollution, which kills billions of insects, birds and bats every year. NABU explains that light shining strongly into the night sky can significantly impact wildlife. The new lighting will therefore not only offer more safety and orientation in the darker months, but will also be considerate of nature.

The old lighting was over 15 years old and was financed through donations at the time. The special lamps of that time are now so outdated that spare parts are no longer available and repairs were only partially possible. Green MP Michael Gwosdz emphasizes the need to ensure user safety in the darker months. The new lamps should not only be efficient, but also environmentally friendly and use at least 50% less energy, which not only saves costs but also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Future prospects for the Alsterweg

But the renewal of the lighting is only part of a larger plan to improve the Alsterweg. The construction work, which is expected to last until around October, is also intended to provide more space for cyclists and pedestrians. It is also planned that the Hamburg Alster swans will have a permanent winter quarters at the Mühlenteich, which represents an additional benefit for the local wildlife. In total, the project is estimated at 7 million euros, which represents a significant investment in the infrastructure around the Alster.

The citizens will vote on further applications for lighting on February 12th. It remains to be seen whether these promises will finally be put into practice and the dark evenings on the Alsterweg will be a thing of the past. Spectators and residents hope that the situation will improve soon.