Walking between Römer and Main, sitting in the Café or restaurant and enjoying the view of the Main without being disturbed by passing cars - this will actually become a reality from August 2019. For one year, the northern bank of the Main between Alter Brücke and Untermainbrücke will be closed to car traffic and opened to pedestrians and cyclists. This was announced by Lord Mayor Peter Feldmann and Head of Transport Klaus Oesterling at a joint press conference. The fact that the road will then initially belong to pedestrians and cyclists for a year pleases the Lord Mayor: "The people of Frankfurt have turned to the river with enthusiasm in recent years. The two banks of the Main are among the absolute hotspots in the warm seasons. I am pleased that the opening of the Main embankment for pedestrian and bicycle traffic will now create even more space - the living experience there will change significantly, not only for the residents, but for all Frankfurt residents."
Transport department head Klaus Oesterling once again emphasized that the closure was a test: "On the one hand, we want to find out how traffic changes in the city center. But I'm also looking forward to seeing how people walking or cycling will take to this area."
According to Oesterling, extensive data on traffic flows will be collected during the months of the closure. Already last year, the traffic volume at ten intersections was determined. A comparative measurement is planned during the closure in March 2020. No major reconstruction work is to be carried out during the trial phase. This means that the promenade will not suddenly see the arrival of new traders or venues on the banks of the River Main. However, the restaurants and Cafés already located there will be allowed to expand their outdoor space. This will also help to increase the attractiveness for visitors - especially in the summer months.
In the coming year, after the Museumsuferfest 2020, a balance is to be drawn. Only then will it be decided whether the temporary opening of the Mainuferstrasse for cyclists and pedestrians can become permanent.
