Europaplatz (under construction)

Brief info

• Project: Ancillary facilities
• Goal: Redesign
• Schedule: Construction expected to end mid-2025
• Project phase: under construction

Current

The redesign work on the edge of Europaplatz began on November 11, 2024. The construction project is being implemented with funding from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The first sections of the planned premium footpath and the Aachen-Haaren priority cycle route are being implemented. Politicians discussed the redesign in May 2024 and approved the conversion.

Map

Occasion and goal

With the grant notification for the 9th funding stage of the Aachen-Nord urban development program, funding was approved for the redesign of Jülicher Straße in partial sections to improve the quality of life, safety and image in the entire area of Jülicher Straße. Against the background of planning requirements that have not yet been conclusively clarified and changed framework conditions, a redesign of Jülicher Strasse - even in partial sections - is currently inconceivable. Europaplatz was already part of the considerations for the development of the Jülicher Straße and Blücherplatz area up to and including Europaplatz when the integrated urban development concept and subsequent updates were being drawn up. However, the total budget available was limited, so that the redesign of Europaplatz had to be postponed and priorities set with the last update. With an amendment application, it is now possible to use the already approved funding specifically for the redesign of Europaplatz.

Condition

The outer sections of Europaplatz in particular do not do justice to its significance as the 'gateway to Aachen's north-east'. The 'green framework' of the square has been lost due to tree felling, which was necessary in recent years for traffic safety reasons. As a result, the areas are in a poor condition, especially for pedestrian use, and the quality of life here is also extremely inadequate.

Planning

The basic design idea for Europaplatz is to create a new ring of trees around the square, which will provide a clear 'frame' for the square in contrast to the heterogeneous building structures in the immediate vicinity. The planting of 18 new trees, which are to be generously dimensioned to match the scale of the square, will perform an important microclimatic function in addition to their aesthetic and design function.

To improve the quality of life, the traffic space for pedestrians and cyclists will be redistributed. The separation of the two types of traffic takes into account the different speed levels and the perception of safety of road users. In the south-western section, pedestrians are separated from faster bicycle and motor vehicle traffic by a wide green strip with tree fields. In the north-eastern section, the sidewalk is separated from the cycle path by spherical slabs. Benches invite you to linger and watch the water fountains. The new tree locations clearly structure the traffic space.

The new cycle path will have a width of three meters and will be made of red asphalt. This meets the requirements of the cycling decision. Three meters is also the standard width for a one-sided bidirectional cycle path according to the recommendations for cycle traffic facilities (ERA 2010). The newly created sidewalk has a width of 2.5 meters. The footpath will be equipped with tactile elements.

At the junction with Joseph-von-Görres-Straße coming from Jülicher Straße, the carriageway will be narrowed to prevent side-by-side traffic and ramped. The cycle path and the footpath will be at the same level as the crossing point. A crosswalk (crosswalk) will be installed. The cycle lane will be marked in red as in the existing road.

The same traffic routing will be implemented at the Blücherplatz crossing. The cycle lane and footpath will be at the same level across the crossing. A crosswalk will be installed for the footpath. The cycle lane will also be colored red here.

At the junction of Joseph-von-Görres-Straße coming from Stolberger Straße, there is a two-lane access road. Pedestrian and cycle traffic may therefore not be given priority at this point for traffic law reasons. The two-lane access road is absolutely necessary at this point to ensure efficient traffic flow. The turning radii for cycle traffic should be optimized.

Costs

The implementation of the measure is expected to cost around EUR 1,257,000.

Next steps

The redesign work is expected to last until mid-2025.

Asphalt ramps will be installed at the junction with Joseph-von-Görres-Straße in the direction of Jülicher Straße and at the entrance and exit to Blücherplatz. They are intended to ensure that pedestrians and cyclists have priority at these two points. Motor vehicles should only drive slowly over these ramps and stop if necessary.

In future, the paths for pedestrians and cyclists in the semi-circle of Joseph-von-Görres-Straße, Blücherplatz and Joseph-von-Görres-Straße, i.e. to the west and south of Europaplatz, will be separated from each other by a newly created green strip. This will avoid potential conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists. Benches will be installed along the sidewalk. The redesign will allow 18 new trees to be planted on Europaplatz.

The city is working together with Regionetz on Europaplatz. Regionetz will be renewing the lighting, electricity, gas and water supply lines around Europaplatz. All lines are located under the current footpath and cycle path, not under the Europaplatz roadway.

Accordingly, the roadway around the Europaplatz fountain can be used throughout the entire construction period. However, there may be occasional detours for cars, trucks and buses, as well as for pedestrians and cyclists.

For example, the Wurmradweg between Europaplatz and Talbotstraße will be closed during the first construction phase. The access ramp at Europaplatz is inaccessible due to the construction work. A detour will be officially signposted for cycle traffic via Joseph-von-Görres-Straße, Jülicher Straße and Talbotstraße.

Council info template