Urban Development and Building Planning in Aachen – Focus on Traffic Safety, Infill Development, and Climate Protection

Road Traffic Safety – Intersection of Amsterdamer Ring / Hanbrucher Straße / Kronenberg

The intersection of Amsterdamer Ring / Hanbrucher Straße / Kronenberg was a central topic in Aachen's traffic policy during the January weeks. A total of ten accidents were recorded, with the lane division, particularly from the Kronenberg, identified as the main cause. Based on the accident commission, the administration has decided on the following measures:

• Reorganization of traffic lanes: A left-turn lane toward Vaalser Straße has been established, supplemented by a straight/right-turn lane.
• Signaling: The left-turn lane will be equipped with its own traffic signals.
• Bike path: The bike path along the Amsterdamer Ring, which crosses the Kronenberg, will remain one-way.

A motion from the SPD and Greens to introduce a "full pedestrian green phase" was rejected because the existing traffic signal system would be overloaded (quality level "F"). In addition, approval from the state agency Straßen.NRW is required, as it is the responsible infrastructure authority.

The decision reflects a compromise between traffic safety and technical limitations. Whether the measures are sufficient remains to be seen.

Infill Development and Urban Innovation – Zoning Plan No. 1015

The Liebigstraße / Metzgerstraße site in the district of Aachen-Mitte is part of the former livestock and slaughterhouse area. With an area of approximately 2.5 hectares, the site offers great potential for commercial new construction and urban innovation. In 2023, an urban design competition was held to collect ideas for the development of the site.

In January 2026, Zoning Plan No. 1015 was adopted as an offer zoning plan under § 11 BauGB. Central objectives:

• Car-free open space: By concentrating on stationary traffic, green and walkable areas are to be created.
• Greening: Green roofs and façade greening are mandatory.
• Mobility Hub: A mobility center with climate protection measures will be integrated.
• Preservation of tree stock: Existing trees along Liebigstraße will remain preserved.
• Maximum sealing: Limited to approximately 70 %.

The zoning plan was adopted following a public consultation and participation of 32 authorities. The administration recommended the ordinance, and comments on issues such as emissions protection or the number of parking spaces were incorporated into the decision-making process.

Preservation Order and Urban Planning Security – Grindelweg

In the district of Aachen-Mitte, a preservation order was approved for plot 1498 in Grindelweg under § 14 (1) and § 16 (1) BauGB. The aim is to enforce Zoning Plan No. 919 – Eupener Straße / An den Wurmquellen – and to secure the urban structure.

Objectives of the Preservation Order:

• Preservation of the settlement character: Villa-like development on spacious plots is to be preserved.
• Greening: Significant green areas and the cold air channel Talkessel must be protected.
• Restoration of the Wurm arm: The culverted stream is to be restored and, in the medium term, made visible again.
• Duration: Two years to ensure the legal certainty of the zoning plan.

A building application for a single-family house was deferred, as the planning is not compatible with the zoning plan. A lawsuit is pending, further emphasizing the need for legal certainty.

Repeal of Zoning Plans and Urban Flexibility – Siegelallee / Robert-Schuman-Straße

The decision to establish Zoning Plan A 313 for the area of Siegelallee / Robert-Schuman-Straße was revoked to allow for the flexible implementation of a replacement sports field. Plans for a fire and rescue station were withdrawn to make the construction of the sports field independent in terms of timing and planning.

The new sports field is to be built as an artificial turf field with training lighting and a changing room. The area of the former small football pitch (approx. 2000 m²) will be replaced. Although the measure may have climate-relevant impacts, the CO2 savings cannot be determined.

Conclusion: Sustainability and Safety as Priorities

The January decisions in Aachen show a clear focus on safety, sustainability, and urban quality. Whether at the intersection safety, the development of Liebigstraße / Metzgerstraße, or the preservation order in Grindelweg – the city is relying on long-term planning and a balance between traffic safety, environmental and climate protection. The revocations and adaptations of zoning plans highlight the flexibility of the city council in adapting to changing needs. In the coming months, it will be particularly interesting to observe how the adopted measures are implemented and received.