Accident black spot at the intersection of Theater/Mühlen/Brückenstraße is defused
In the coming week, a ban on turning left from Mühlenstraße into Brückenstraße will be introduced. Appropriate signage will be put up at the intersection of Theaterstraße/Mühlenstraße/ Brückenstraße to make it less of an accident black spot. Turning left from Mühlenstraße is the main cause of accidents at this junction. The measure is limited in time until the traffic lights are replaced in 2014.
The regulation will mainly affect through traffic, for which the surrounding road network, in particular Georgstraße, Straße der Nationen or Carolastraße and Bahnhofstraße, is available as an alternative route. The facilities on Brückenstraße can still be reached via Georgstraße, Straße der Nationen or by turning on Theaterstraße (at Wall, signalised) or in the Brückenstraße stump.
The traffic lights at the junction are to be completely renewed in 2014. Left-turners are to be given a separate green phase when turning into Brückenstraße. Until now, they have had to watch out for oncoming traffic when turning. It is not possible to implement these plans immediately due to the age of the traffic lights. The system, which was built in 1974, has no scope for adding a separate turning lane.
The complete replacement of the traffic lights will cost around €150,000. The necessary funds have already been registered for the municipal budget from 2013. The aim is for the plans for the new system to be realised in 2013 so that construction can begin in 2014.
In 2011, a total of 14 traffic accidents occurred due to left-turning drivers failing to observe oncoming traffic. The junction is therefore considered an accident blackspot.