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Wolfsburg in turmoil: traffic lights or roundabouts? Residents are divided!
Wolfsburg is planning traffic lights at the K46 junction; Residents are instead calling for a roundabout to improve traffic safety.
Wolfsburg in turmoil: traffic lights or roundabouts? Residents are divided!
In Wolfsburg there is a lot of rumblings about the K46 junction on Hubertusstrasse. Accident statistics show bleak figures: last year there were four accidents there, and in one tragic incident almost one person lost their life. Another accident on May 28 left three people injured and several vehicles towed. Residents are alarmed and are demanding quick action. In order to sustainably improve the traffic situation, the city is planning a traffic light system, but this is met with resistance.
Residents like Frank Harmeling are passionate about a roundabout. Together with nine colleagues, they collected 145 signatures to advance this cause. Their fears are clear: a traffic light could lead to traffic jams and make it difficult to leave the property. For the city administration, however, the traffic lights seem to be the solution to making the traffic situation more efficient. The estimated cost of a traffic light system is 700,000 euros and could be realized in about a year.
The cost question
But the discussion is not just about costs. A roundabout with a bypass would be a long-term solution, but would cost a good 2.5 million euros and could take up to five years. At a recent meeting, local council members supported a motion for a temporary traffic light with a large majority. Building department head Kai-Uwe Hirschheide and local mayor Angelika Jahns are pushing for a quick solution because the problem with the accidents has existed for ten years. There were repeated discussions between traffic lights and roundabouts, but never came to a conclusion.
Statistics show that numerous traffic accidents occur in Germany every year, with accident research regularly providing new data and findings. According to the Destatis website, traffic accident statistics form the basis for legislative measures and improving traffic safety. The collection and evaluation of this data is crucial in order to understand the structure of the accident and plan future measures. We therefore support the BMDV’s “Vision Zero” initiative, which states that no deaths or serious injuries should be tolerated in road traffic. Innovative approaches to increasing traffic safety, such as the digitalization of traffic systems, also contribute to preventing accidents.
Demands for security
Destatis accident statistics also reveal the dangers in traffic and show the importance of both improving infrastructure and raising awareness among road users. The residents on K46/Hubertusstrasse are not only demanding a quick solution, but also a sustainable improvement in traffic safety in their area. They will likely continue to advocate loudly for their roundabout in the coming weeks and months as the city council pursues its plans for the traffic light.
For the local citizens, one thing is clear: something has to be done. The voices of residents are unmistakable and a solution that provides both safety and traffic flows should be a top priority.
For the latest developments around the K46/Hubertusstrasse junction, further information can be found on the website of WAZ Online, Destatis and Mobility Forum to find.