(kus) The State of Hesse is supporting the City of Frankfurt with around 1.9 million euros for the reconstruction of the southern station forecourt in Höchst. Lord Mayor Peter Feldmann and Head of Transport Klaus Oesterling jointly accepted the funding notification.
With twelve platforms, Frankfurt-Höchst is the city's second-largest railway station. For the many passengers changing trains there, the city is building a new bus station that will allow barrier-free boarding.
"With around 28,000 travelers on weekdays, Höchst station is one of the busiest stations in Hesse," explained Minister Al-Wazir. "The conversion is therefore a key project in the programme to modernise Hesse's stations." The station has already been able to be redesigned to be barrier-free with lifts and a ramp with a state subsidy of almost 6 million euros. In the next few months, the forecourt with the bus stops will now be modernised. "We want to expand and further strengthen public transport. By providing barrier-free access to train and bus stations, we are making local transport in Hesse a bit more attractive again," said Al-Wazir.
Lord Mayor Peter Feldmann: "Frankfurt West is currently taking a very positive development: the ground-breaking ceremony for the Neues Klinikum Höchst, the new concept for the Bolongara Palace and the redevelopment of the Höchst train station are just a few keywords here. Construction work on the south side of Höchst Station will begin in spring 2017, and the project is scheduled for completion in 22 months. With the clearing of the visual axes to the listed station building, the paving in natural stone pavers analogous to the northern forecourt and the installation of a guidance system for the blind as well as the planting of new trees, our new Höchst station will be a great calling card for the entire west of Frankfurt."
To the southwest of the reception building, eight stops will be created. These will be equipped with 22-centimeter-high special curbs that will allow wheelchair users, walker users, as well as parents with strollers and travelers with luggage, to board the low-floor buses with virtually no steps. High-contrast tactile guidance elements in the flooring make it easier for the visually impaired to find their way around.
Head of Transportation Oesterling emphasized that "with the redesign of the station forecourt, for the first time the previously scattered bus stops at Höchst station will be bundled in one place." A new arrangement of the departure points will make it easier for passengers to find their way around, as will the provision of dynamic passenger information boards showing departure times. He is also pleased that "the spacious design and generously proportioned roof will make it possible in future to offer many passengers of the buses in Höchst a comfortable and, above all, dry wait," he continued.
In addition, Adolf-Haeuser-Straße and Dalbergstraße will be renewed and equipped with bicycle lanes in both directions. Most of the previous one-way street regulation will be lifted
