Grünkraut lowers speed limits: focus on noise protection for residents!

Grünkraut lowers speed limits: focus on noise protection for residents!

A new phase of the noise action plan comes into force in the municipality of Grünkraut, which was made possible by the municipal council resolution at the meeting in May 2025. This step is aimed at residents along the busy federal highway 32, which runs through the community and causes significant noise pollution. The new speed limits apply for noise protection reasons and were decided with three votes against, as the Swabian newspaper reported.

The set speed limits apply in several sections: A speed limit of 50 km/h will be introduced all day along the B 32, starting with the existing 50 km/h limit up to the hamlet of Bechenried. Other sections have a speed limit of 70 km/h, which was set for both noise protection and traffic reasons. These begin 100 meters east of the junction with K 7985 to the level of the residential building at Römerweg 313 and 150 meters east of the Kronhalden 4/1 development.

Basis for decision-making and reports

The decision to reduce speeds is based on a report from the Freiburg office Rapp AG. This report states that a noise-reducing road surface has already been installed and that the speed reduction of 50 km/h all day was assessed as proportionate and effective. An alternative solution, the night-only speed limit of 50 km/h, was rejected because noise pollution is comparable during the day and at night. The loss of 17 seconds in driving time was considered acceptable.

The background to these measures is the European Union's Noise Action Plan, which prescribes noise reduction strategies. The EU directive requires mapping of noise sources and appropriate measures to reduce the burden on residents. The process also included public participation, with only one comment from a private individual being received during the disclosure of the plans.

Experiences from other cities

Noise reduction management in Grünkraut is not unique. As part of the current noise action plan, the city of Celle, which has been a pioneer in noise reduction for two decades, has recommended similar speed reductions on its main road network. These measures include extensive preliminary studies to assess the effectiveness of speed reduction in terms of noise and traffic pollution. Various scenarios were simulated and positive feedback from residents signals successful noise reduction, such as this LUBW represents.

In Grünkraut, the introduction of these new speed limits represents a significant step towards a more livable community by helping to noticeably reduce noise for residents and pedestrians along Federal Highway 32.