Berlin Launches Major Initiative to Clear Hazardous Ice from City Walkways
Authorities in Berlin have initiated a large-scale operation to remove persistent ice from sidewalks across the city. In response to days of hazardous conditions caused by freezing rain and subzero temperatures, the Berlin city cleaning service (BSR) and local district administrations are deploying significantly more personnel to address areas where ice removal has not yet occurred.
Efforts are particularly focused on key locations crucial for public welfare, including schools, childcare centers, senior facilities, medical offices, clinics, pharmacies, grocery stores, shopping centers, and access routes to public transportation hubs. This targeted approach aims to ensure that essential services remain accessible and safe for all residents, especially vulnerable groups.
Additional staff from the district street and green space offices are being reassigned to clear walkways where property owners or their contracted winter maintenance services have not fulfilled their legal obligations. In such cases, the authorities will also initiate administrative procedures against property owners who have failed to comply with their responsibilities.
District representatives are working in coordination with the city's transportation administration to identify and prioritize problem zones throughout Berlin. Lists of high-risk sites are being compiled and communicated to the BSR, which will then take direct action to clear those areas. Officials have emphasized the importance of avoiding duplicate efforts and are urging efficient coordination between districts and the BSR to maximize the effectiveness of the campaign.
To support the increased clearing activities, the BSR has made approximately 70 tons of grit available for use by the districts. On Saturday alone, around 20 tons of this material were distributed to private citizens and district services. Nevertheless, the use of de-icing salt remains a point of contention. While the city's leadership has temporarily authorized the use of salt for a limited period of 14 days to combat the ice, both some districts and the BSR have expressed reservations regarding its effectiveness, particularly on thick, continuous layers of ice. According to city cleaning officials, simply spreading salt or grit may not sufficiently resolve the issue due to the severity of the ice accumulation on many sidewalks.
The recent weather has led to widespread disruptions, including the suspension of tram services earlier in the week. The ongoing icy conditions have also triggered political debate within the city government, with coalition partners exchanging criticism over the delay in updating street cleaning regulations. City leaders have called on the local parliament to expedite the legislative process to enable more effective winter road and walkway maintenance in the future.
As the city continues to contend with severe winter weather, meteorologists predict further nighttime freezing and potential freezing rain, which could exacerbate the hazardous conditions. The authorities are urging property owners to fulfill their obligations in clearing walkways and are prioritizing the most critical locations to minimize risk to public safety. The coordinated response aims to restore safer pedestrian routes and maintain accessibility as winter conditions persist across Berlin.