The planned changes in the traffic guidance of public transport and motorized individual transport were implemented at Heidelberg Central Station. In connection with the traffic lights as well as the signage and markings, the design of the traffic guidance during the construction period and after completion of reconstruction was prepared.
The tram and bus stop of Heidelberg Central Station was located in an island position between the two directional lanes of motorized individual traffic. As part of the “Mobility Network Heidelberg” project, the area was redesigned to meet the needs of public transport. In order to ensure direct access from and to the station building, the tram and bus stop was moved from its island position to a lateral position next to the central station. The redesign was expected to have an impact on the traffic guidance and traffic flow of motorized individual traffic and on the interactions between all modes of transport. The project was also aimed at better taking into account the needs of cycling and pedestrian traffic than in the past.
The result of the traffic analysis is a preferred variant, which was designed in greater detail. This variant provides for a 4-track layout at the central station’s tram and bus stop, which, in addition to optimized operational sequences and improved passenger service, offers capacity reserves through the increased frequency of lines and the integration of further tram and bus lines. The design and implementation of the control software for the traffic light system at the track triangle Karl-Metz-Straße and at the double junction Kurfürsten-Anlage/Mittelmeierstraße/Lessingstraße posed a particular challenge. In addition, the provisional traffic guidance and safety systems and the provisional traffic-actuated signal control systems for the station area and the converted junctions were developed for the one-year construction period. Within the scope of the design of the system technology of the traffic light systems and the associated civil engineering structures, intensive coordination was carried out with all trades to be considered.
In September of this year, the final inspection and commissioning of the reconstructed tram and bus stop at Heidelberg Central Station took place and passenger operation was resumed. At present, the traffic signal control system is being readjusted as required.
Torsten Heine-Nims, BERNARD Gruppe
