Lochnerstrasse

Brief info

• Project: PFW Westpark and RVR Vaals
• Objective: To promote walking and cycling
• Project phase: Preliminary planning

Current

 Citizen participation took place in November 2023. On 16.11.2023 there was a dialog event in this context in the KGS Hanbruch.

Map

Occasion and goal

Lochnerstrasse is part of the Premium Footpath 8 between the Palatinate district and Westpark. The aim is to strengthen the offer for pedestrians on selected routes between the medieval, largely "stone" center of the city center and the surrounding parks, stream valleys and park-like landscapes. In the course of developing the network of paths, the qualities in terms of safety and comfort (accessibility, benches, green structures, orientation) are to be strengthened, and elements that create identity and enhance the quality of stay ("that certain extra") are to be added.

In addition, the Vaals priority cycle route runs via Lochnerstraße. Wherever possible, priority should be given to cyclists on the cycle priority network and they should be guided safely, comfortably and quickly.

Condition

Lochnerstraße is already heavily used by pedestrians and cyclists. To the west of Junkerstrasse, the sidewalk is narrowed to 1.50 m at regular intervals by the existing tree grates. The surface is not in good condition due to root heaving and it is difficult to sustainably repair the existing sidewalk for tree protection reasons. To the east of Junkerstrasse, the road only has two trees set back in the widening area towards Karlsgraben.

Over the course of the day, quarter-hour intervals can often be observed in which more bicycles than cars use the road. However, the available lane is so narrow due to parking on both sides that it is only possible for two cars to pass each other when driving slowly, which also impairs cycling. In addition, cyclists often have to ride in the "docking" zone next to parked vehicles.

Planning

Three variants were developed, but they only differ to the east of Junkerstrasse.

To the west of Junkerstrasse, a new footpath will be created south of the row of plane trees in all variants; the existing footpath will be unsealed to allow better growing conditions for the trees and to create opportunities for seepage and evaporation. The diagonal parking will be converted into longitudinal parking. The junction area towards the Westpark will be raised as a plateau and provided with structural dividing elements that will structure the space and also serve as a place to linger. Sketches are available in the "Download" section.

East of Junkerstrasse, the current sidewalk remains in place in the first variant. In the second variant, the footpath is newly laid out and widened by around one meter. In the third variant, the sidewalk is widened as in variant 2; however, the new tree locations are connected to each other to create a continuous green strip. A detailed description of the variants can be found in the linked administrative document from August 2023.

Procedure and costs

Political consultation on the implementation of citizen participation:
District Council Aachen-Mitte: August 9, 2023
Mobility Committee: August 24, 2023

Based on current knowledge, it is not expected that residents will be involved in the conversion costs. Should this nevertheless be the case, there will be a separate information event.

Further information

• www.aachen.de/premiumwege

Council info template