Breaking Down the Cologne News: "The Daily Buzz on GL"
City Coalition Pushes for City Council Approval Agreement in S11 Proposal
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Join Our Free NewsletterIn order to ensure the timely expansion of the S11, key decisions by the city council are needed urgently regarding Tannenbergstraße, as delayed action might cause a setback, warns go.Rheinland CEO Norbert Reinkober.
Norbert Reinkober is urging immediate action from the city council on the matter, emphasizing that all factions and the administration are in support of the expansion project that links the rail network.
The Bottom LineReinkober is worried about the potential delay of the project due to the council's lack of decisiveness, and he expressed his concerns in a closed traffic committee meeting on September 11. The Bürgerportal and Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reported on these concerns, which have now been confirmed by Reinkober himself in a press conference.
The burning question is how to handle traffic (cars, bikes, pedestrians) during the expansion of Tannenbergstraße, which will require its closure for the introduction of a 5-minute interval. Another crucial issue is cost allocation between the railway and city.
Several plans for underpasses, a replacement street, and even a bridge have been mulled over for years, with a feasibility study currently being prepared under tight deadlines. The results will be presented during a special meeting of the traffic committee on October 1.
Reinkober envisions a solution but wants the city council to make the final decision. The council should ideally receive the study results early, but a decision must be made in October, following a meeting if necessary.
The urgency is due to budget constraints imposed by the federal government, which may affect important transport projects.
Other aspects of the S11 expansion have been swiftly resolved, such as finding a solution with nature conservation associations to protect endangered species in the Thielenbruch Moor.
Regarding land usage during construction and for overnight train parking, Reinkober deems both issues to be feasible. The council is also working diligently on the S11 expansion, recognizing the project's importance for the entire Cologne region.
Still, Reinkober remains cautious about providing detailed information such as the construction schedule or completion date. Only after the Federal Railway Authority completes the plan approval procedures can an accurate timeline be provided.
- The expansion of the S11 project, which links the rail network, is of significant importance for various sectors such as industry, transportation, and even financial institutions, as it will boost economic activities in the Cologne region.
- In order to ensure the successful implementation of the S11 expansion, it is essential for the city council to make expedient decisions on matters such as traffic management, cost allocation between the railway and city, and choosing the appropriate infrastructure solution for Tannenbergstraße, during the special traffic committee meeting scheduled for October 1.
