Wasserkretscham: Residents fight against unbearable truck traffic!

Wasserkretscham: Residents fight against unbearable truck traffic!

In Wasserkretscham near Weißenberg the air is no longer breathable. Residents are fighting against the constant noise from heavy trucks, which, according to the Federal Environment Agency, is equivalent to the noise of twenty cars. The unbearable noises rob residents of sleep and pose health risks. Danilo Jahn, an affected resident, describes that the extreme density of trucks combined with the narrow road conditions significantly affects the quality of life.

The situation is particularly annoying due to the new bridge that was recently built to relieve traffic. However, this bridge represents the shortest route between the B178 and the A4 motorway, resulting in an increase in traffic. Eberhard Schade, a neighbor, is disappointed because the old bridge had to close due to dilapidation and now the new infrastructure is delivering the opposite of what he had hoped for. The situation among the residents is tense; They feel abandoned because the State Office for Road Construction and Transport does not approve additional noise insulation.

Lack of sound insulation and dangers for children

The residents are frustrated by the decision of the state office, which did not consider noise protection measures necessary. Given the high level of noise pollution, they also have no regulations for soundproof windows, which are not required under the Traffic Noise Abatement Ordinance. However, a noise-reducing asphalt surface was applied to the new road, which is intended to reduce noise by around 2 decibels. But there is no hope of relief. Danilo Jahn and Eberhard Schade do not expect any improvement, not even through an alternative route that will be released soon.

The safety of school children is of particular concern. According to Jahn, residents have no sidewalks or bike paths, which makes the situation risky for the youngest road users. They are therefore calling for a speed limit of 30 km/h and a warning sign for the narrowed road to increase safety. However, the Bautzen district has stated that speed restrictions require a complex procedure.

Frustration and possible consequences

The ongoing problems have given many residents, like Danilo Jahn, serious consideration: “I’m thinking about selling a house,” he expresses his frustration. For many it is not just a question of noise, but a threat to the quality of life in their usual surroundings. The demands for effective solutions and rapid measures to improve living conditions are becoming louder and louder.

At a time when safety and quality of life should be a given, the current situation remains unbearable for many people. It remains to be seen whether those responsible are prepared to respond to residents' urgent requests and seriously address the noise pollution.