The district of Neukölln in Berlin is implementing a comprehensive plan to reduce through traffic in the Schillerkiez neighborhood, aiming to enhance safety and quality of life for residents. The initiative introduces several changes to the area's road infrastructure, focusing on curbing the use of local streets as shortcuts by motorists seeking to avoid congestion on major thoroughfares such as Hermannstraße.

Key components of the new traffic concept include the conversion of certain streets into one-way routes and the installation of physical barriers, such as bollards. These interventions are designed to limit access for cars while maintaining or improving routes for cyclists and pedestrians.

Traffic Modifications and Infrastructure Changes

One of the central changes involves turning Fontanestraße, located at the northern edge of Schillerkiez, into a one-way street heading toward Columbiadamm. This modification, combined with the existing closure at the northern end of Weisestraße, will prevent vehicles from entering Schillerkiez from the north. However, bicycle traffic will continue to be permitted in both directions along these routes, ensuring connectivity for cyclists.

Similarly, Weisestraße will be reconfigured as a one-way street between Herrfurthstraße and Allerstraße. The aim is to stop drivers from using this road as an alternative to the frequently congested Hermannstraße, while again allowing bicycles to travel both ways. Additional safety measures will be introduced at the intersection of Kienitzer Straße and Weisestraße, including improved pedestrian crossings and new bicycle stands, with a particular focus on safeguarding routes to the nearby Karl-Weise-Schule.

Enhancing Public Spaces and Mobility

The northern section of Herrfurthplatz will become a low-traffic zone through the installation of bollards, redirecting vehicular movement back toward the north along Schillerpromenade. Further bollards at key intersections will guide cars southwards and limit cut-through possibilities. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance the overall atmosphere and usability of public spaces in Schillerkiez, prioritizing non-motorized transport modes.

Additionally, a new cycling path will be established in the northern area of Herrfurthplatz. This route will extend the existing bicycle street towards Tempelhofer Feld, encouraging safe and direct travel for cyclists and discouraging the use of pedestrian walkways as shortcuts, especially around the local church.

Community Involvement and Anticipated Benefits

The development and rollout of these measures have involved input from local residents, who have expressed concerns regarding the high levels of through traffic in the district. The new traffic scheme is intended to address these issues, providing safer routes for schoolchildren and all neighborhood inhabitants.

By prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety and limiting motor vehicle traffic, Neukölln's district administration aims to create a more livable urban environment. The planned upgrades are expected to be implemented in stages over the coming weeks, with ongoing assessments to ensure their effectiveness and to facilitate further adjustments as needed.