Gridlock in Treptow following the commencement of A100
The newly opened 16th section of the A100 in Berlin-Treptow, which connects NeukĂślln junction to the Treptow exit, has been causing traffic chaos for a week now, according to reports by the "Tagesspiegel". This chaotic situation has been criticised by the Berlin state association of the Bund fĂźr Umwelt und Naturschutz (BUND), the SPD's spokesman for mobility and transport in the House of Representatives, Tino Schopf, and other political figures.
The responsible motorway company, Autobahn GmbH, has stated that the traffic light controls the flow into the downstream road network. However, a metered traffic light system installed at the end of the construction section by the Berlin Senate to avoid overloading has been causing significant congestion on the motorway, particularly during peak times. This congestion has resulted in long traffic jams, heavy traffic, and confusing situations for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Tino Schopf has called for the closure of the new A100 section due to the ongoing chaos and has suggested that the traffic administration has not yet acknowledged the issue. He, along with other critics, predicted this chaos before the opening of the new section, citing the ElsenbrĂźcke, a traffic bottleneck, which has been under construction, as a contributing factor to the already tense traffic situation in the area.
In response to the chaos, the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) has implemented operational measures to minimise the impact on regular services. Buses on lines M43 and 194 have been brought as close as possible to the ElsenbrĂźcke on both sides, and temporary restrictions have been placed on bus services over the ElsenbrĂźcke. The BVG is also keeping an eye on further developments and will consider appropriate options if the traffic situation does not improve.
Passengers affected by the traffic jam can use the S-Bahn or walk over the bridge. The traffic senator, Ute Eilingfeld, and the Autobahn GmbH have been criticised for opening the A100 section despite knowing it would cause chaos in adjacent districts. The BVG has stated that these tailbacks were factored in during the planning to achieve the fastest possible traffic relief for the districts.
As the traffic chaos continues, the calls for action from politicians and the public are growing louder. The BVG and the responsible authorities will need to address these concerns and find a solution to alleviate the ongoing chaos on the A100 section in Berlin-Treptow.
