Potsdam: Next step environmental and noise protection zones?

After a few weeks of delay, the road works in Behlertstraße are continuing and thus reaching their final phase. This was announced by the traffic administration last week at a press conference in the city hall. The completion of the major construction site is scheduled for February 2023, they said. Due to difficulties in procuring the necessary building materials and complicated pipe and line laying, further delays cannot be ruled out. During the press tour, the increase in project costs will also be discussed. For the installation of an improved road surface, the city will probably have to spend more money than previously planned, the administration representative explained. However, he could not give more details on the amount of the additional costs.  

The state capital had just decided in favour of an innovative pavement called "CleanAir-Asphalt". Thanks to its nitrogen oxide and noise-reducing properties, it is supposed to enable cleaner and quieter traffic, explained acting head of the civil engineering office Thomas Schenke. The scattered titanium dioxide reacts under UV sunlight and converts the nitrogen oxide from car exhaust into nitrate, which is then washed away harmlessly in heavy rain. This can be expected to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to ten percent, said project manager Suzanne Kluge. Kluge added that the busy Behlertstrasse, with its narrow buildings at the edge, was particularly suitable for the application of the asphalt developed by the Strabag Group. After completion of the major construction site, the usual road directions will be reintroduced. After all, since the start of the fundamental renovation in July 2021, traffic in the city centre has been affected by numerous diversions.  

But this is not the only thing Potsdam residents will have to look forward to. If the desired results in the area of emissions and noise reduction are seen, the success of the project in Behlertstraße could act as an impulse for further mobility improvements throughout the city. Green Potsdam, as well as residents and tourists, could benefit, for example, from the introduction of an environmental zone or diesel driving bans, as well as from the creation of a noise protection zone. Such measures have proven to be important means of environmental protection and are a trump card up politicians' sleeves when it comes to achieving climate goals. For citizens, they would not only mean more peace and quiet, but also better health and quality of life. However, the creation of an environmental zone in Potsdam remains wishful thinking for the time being. The only thing that is certain is that soon there will be cleaner and quieter driving on Behlertstraße.