Construction of New Bicycle Path Section on Hermannstraße Set to Begin in Mid-April

The next phase of construction for the bicycle path along Hermannstraße in Neukölln is set to commence in mid-April. This development follows the establishment of a protected bike lane in the southern section of the busy street, which has been in place for some time. The upcoming work will extend the bike lane from Thomasstraße to Werbellinstraße, as announced by the district office.

Originally slated for completion last year, the project faced delays due to unresolved issues between the district and the Senate's Department of Transportation. While specifics regarding those disputes remain unclear, officials have confirmed that the new section will cover approximately 500 meters and is expected to take about three months to complete.

Jochen Biedermann, the district's transportation councilor, emphasized the importance of Hermannstraße as a north-south route for cyclists. He stated that the renovations will not only close a gap in the cycling network but also enhance safety for cyclists and improve clarity for all road users.

The planned bike path will feature a two-meter-wide lane on both sides of the road, separated from vehicle traffic by various protective measures including flexible bollards and guide strips. In areas where physical barriers cannot be installed, the bike lane will be marked in green, while intersections and driveways will be highlighted in red to ensure better visibility.

Additionally, the district plans to install bicycle racks at several locations, including the intersection with Leykestraße, to accommodate the needs of cyclists. To improve pedestrian safety, new traffic islands will be constructed at key points along Hermannstraße, facilitating safer crossings.

It is important to note that the construction will result in the removal of some parking spaces along Hermannstraße. The exact number of spaces affected has not been disclosed, but a spokesperson indicated that there are already numerous temporary loading zones and no-parking areas in place. Some parking spots will be replaced with designated loading zones, which will restrict parking during weekdays from 7 AM to 5 PM.

The construction will proceed in small segments, initially starting on the eastern side of the street and progressively moving northward. Once work reaches Werbellinstraße, construction will shift to the western lane and head southward. The district office has assured that traffic will remain open in both directions throughout the duration of the project.

Several delays have plagued the development of the bike path, with the Senate's Department of Transportation halting planning for the second section for weeks back in the spring of 2023. The initial segment also faced protracted planning phases, and construction began in early 2022 but was hindered by supply issues, including a shortage of the necessary bollards. Moreover, the green paint intended for lane marking was reportedly washed away in some areas.