Zirchow in a traffic crisis: Citizens' initiative finally calls for a southern bypass!

Zirchow in a traffic crisis: Citizens' initiative finally calls for a southern bypass!

In Zirchow, in the picturesque Vorpommern-Greifswald district, things are rumbling. The federal highway 110 there is a real traffic jam hotspot, especially during the holiday season. In order to deal with this problem, the country is currently examining the construction of a southern bypass. Discussions between Transport Minister Reinhard Meyer, the mayors of the municipality of Zirchow and the citizens' initiative “Zirchow Bypass” laid the foundation for these considerations. So reported NDR that the connection to the airport and a newly planned residential area in particular should benefit from this bypass.

The SPD member of the state parliament Falko Beitz emphasizes that consideration is on the table in order to create a better connection and avoid a crossing through the nearby fen. This not only makes environmental sense, but also practical. One possible plan is to use a disused railway embankment in the south, which could avoid the demolition of houses and complex crossing structures.

Traffic load and planning status

The traffic volume on the B110 has alarmingly doubled. This is not least due to the high number of tourists who flock to Usedom during the holiday season. Forecasts show that traffic volume will increase to an average of 9,400 vehicles per day by 2035. However, due to the limited space available, expanding the through-town route is currently not possible falko-beitz.de reported.

At the last meeting, five routes for the bypass were discussed with the aim of improving access to both the airport and the adjacent residential area. Engineering offices have now been commissioned to deliver the necessary preliminary work by the end of November 2022. State Secretary Meyer plans to come back to Zirchow in January to present the preferred variant.

Costs and citizen concerns

A central point in the discussions is the question of costs. The previously favored northern bypass was only supposed to cost around 10 million euros, but would have passed through a protected moor. In contrast, the southern solution favored by the citizens' initiative is expected to be twice as expensive. Kathrin Flindt, spokeswoman for the citizens' initiative, emphasizes that the bypass must not only be a benefit for road users, but also for the residents of Zirchow.

The topic of mobility has become more important in recent years, and not just for residents in Zirchow. A report from Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport highlights the need to develop new concepts to improve the transport infrastructure. The mobility transition relies on a shift from cars to pedestrian and cycle paths as well as better connections to public transport.

In Zirchow, the decision on the future traffic flow and bypass roads is now pending. The residents are hoping for a sustainable solution that will not only improve the traffic situation, but also increase the quality of life in their village.