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 in particular, the connection of the airport and a newly planned residential area 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.

Citizens and citizens' concerns

A central point in the talks is the question of costs. The previously favored northern bypass should only cost around 10 million euros, but would have been guided by a protected moor. In contrast, the southern solution favored by the citizens' initiative will probably be twice as expensive. Kathrin Flindt, spokeswoman for the citizens' initiative, emphasizes that the bypass must not only be a profit for road users, but also for the residents of Zirchow.

Mobility has gained in importance in recent years, not only for the residents in Zirchow. A report of the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport illustrates the need to develop new concepts to improve the transport infrastructure. The mobility turnover relies on the shift of cars to foot and bike paths as well as a better connection to public transport.

In Zirchow, the decision about the future flow of traffic and bypasses is now pending. The residents hope for a sustainable solution that not only improves the traffic situation, but also increases the quality of life in their village.