Valley in Munich: Pedestrian zone is to be set up as early as 2023 - "Create a lively promenade"

Created: 07/20/2022, 14:47

By: Sascha Karowski

The valley in Munich should now become a pedestrian zone more quickly.

© Andreas Gregor

The valley in Munich is to become a pedestrian zone as early as 2023.

The city council decided that.

The politicians are thus separating the project from the completion of the second trunk line.

But there is also criticism.

Munich - It would probably be the largest expansion of Munich's pedestrian zone since it opened in 1972. The valley is now to become largely car-free, and that already in the coming year.

The Mobility Committee approved accelerated planning on Wednesday.

Green City Councilor Florian Roth spoke of a historic day, even if it sounded pathetic.

Pedestrian zone in the valley Munich: "We want to implement the expansion as quickly as possible"

Initially, the city wanted to wait for the completion of the second trunk line with the pedestrian zone, since the trucks from the construction site at Marienhof use the valley as an access road.

However, because there are apparently delays on the main route, the city council has abandoned the original plan.

"We want to implement the expansion as quickly as possible," said Roth.

"But there are various interests that should be protected." The Greens and SPD had previously agreed on a compromise that, among other things, provides access for residents and compensation parking spaces in the side streets.

"In Marienstraße and Lueg insland, 29 parking spaces will only be created for residents," said SPD city councilor Nikolaus Gradl.

"We're not just banning cars for ideology's sake,

but create a lively promenade with shady trees and places where there is no obligation to buy.” A shuttle service with small electric vehicles is also planned, which will also operate in the rest of the pedestrian zone.

The mobility department has now been commissioned to relocate the access roads for the construction site at Marienhof.

Pedestrian zone in the valley Munich: CSU criticizes rapid action - hurry is not necessary

There were doubts that this would succeed.

CSU boss Manuel Pretzl pointed out that the contracts with Deutsche Bahn were also concluded with the stipulation as to where access and departures for the construction site must take place.

"I can't change that with the stroke of a pen." Pretzl suspects that residents will have to be interviewed again.

If access and exit are regulated via Maximilianstraße, for example, lawsuits could be threatened.

This could further delay the project.

In general, Pretzl did not understand the rush.

“As far as I know, the delay in the main route relates to the overall project.

Construction is already underway at the Marienhof, which is largely on schedule, so we’re talking about a few months at most.”

Left City Councilor Brigitte Wolf welcomed the faster implementation, but criticized the additional pressure on the city administration.

"The nice words go on the biscuit." The department will not receive any additional positions worth mentioning, but should shoulder a large work package.

“If this is to be taken seriously, the resources must also be created.

Otherwise other projects will suffer.”