Traffic turnaround by immediate measure: Closure of Regensburg's Fischmarkt only takes effect after construction

The completion of the new parking garage at Unterer Wöhrd is scheduled for mid-2027. Nevertheless, a far-reaching change in traffic policy was announced in Regensburg: The Fischmarkt, a central section of the Danube parallel road, is formally closed to through traffic with immediate effect.

Administration creates rapid facts

Mayor Dr. Thomas Burger (SPD) surprisingly announced the step at a press event last Wednesday, simultaneously with the presentation of the new traffic management by planning and building officer Florian Plajer. The actual decision to calm traffic in the Old Town was indeed available, but it did not contain a date for immediate implementation. The information policy of the city leadership also causes additional explosiveness: CSU parliamentary group leader Michael Lehner criticizes that the city council only learned about the measure via a video that the mayor published on his social media channels after the press event. Lehner also estimates that the city council has no direct legal means to block the process, as such a road closure is formally considered a matter of ongoing administration.

Economic concerns and lack of alternative routes

The abrupt measure causes significant opposition from CSU and and FDP. A central point of criticism is the lack of infrastructure for diverting traffic. In addition to the parking garage, the closure of the Grieser Steg is also imminent. CSU parliamentary group leader Michael Lehner predicts a shift of traffic flows into surrounding residential areas and over alternative bridges. Furthermore, from the critics' point of view, flanking structural measures are missing to actually upgrade the street space. Mayor Burger counters that the Fischmarkt remains easily accessible and traffic that absolutely must pass through will continue to be allowed.

The economic consequences for local gastronomy and retail are also in focus. The FDP refers to a restaurant in the vicinity that already had to close due to previous construction sites. There is concern that increased accessibility difficulties will massively burden other businesses and their employees.

The political processing of the issue is now moving into the committees: On coming Tuesday, the Fischmarkt is on the agenda of the planning committee, where building officer Plajer will present a formal status report.