World Climate Conference Crowded city expected on November 11
Bonn · Officials say Bonn is well-prepared for traffic challenges that will be presented by the upcoming climate summit. But residents should know that November 11 will be a very busy day in the city.
“Bonn is well-prepared.” In a news conference on Wednesday about the upcoming climate conference, this was the sentence that was heard over and over again. Gathered to talk about plans and preparations for handling traffic and transportation were members of the city administration, the Environmental Ministry, police, German Rail and regional transportation representatives.
Those responsible for the coordination are optimistic that a major breakdown in traffic can be avoided during the conference from November 6 to 11, even if demonstrations or other occurrences lead to temporary blockages. The new UN-Campus public transportation stop is expected to facilitate a large number of conference participants. Here are some other measures that should help keep traffic running smoothly:
UN-Campus stop: Already on November 1, the new stop near Ollenhauerstraße will be put into service. For the time during the conference, Lines RE 5 (DB Regio NRW), RB 26 (Transregio), RB 48 (National Express) and RB 30 (DB Regio NRW) will travel to and from that stop in both directions. Shuttle buses will wait for passengers at the stop. Still, passengers are advised to plan more time for their travel and avoid high peak travel times.
Beuel Train Station: This train station will be used to provide some relief to the Bonn Central Train Station - where construction work will stop during the climate conference. Most long distance trains from the north will stop here, which means many passengers will need to stop and change onto local trams to get to the city - meaning a longer travel time. Nothing will change for passengers coming from the south.
Road traffic: All participants of the conference will receive a free pass for local public transportation. Police are hoping that this will help keep the road traffic situation manageable. The Bundesviertel (Government Quarters) will remain open to traffic and residents have already been informed of any necessary detours or closures.
At the same time, police are appealing to all companies in the region to take advantage of work-from-home opportunities. Difficult to avoid will be any larger demonstrations, and November 11 will be a very busy day. It is the official start of carnival and many revelers will be drawn to the inner city on this Saturday. Add to that an expected 10,000 demonstrators who will be in two different groups, on the city ring road, Bonner Talweg and Reuterstraße.
No stopping zone: The city will enforce some no-stopping zones near the conference - in an area on Kennedyallee, because buses will be stopping there. For those who want the latest information, police will set up a resident hotline as of October 25: (0228) 15 30 30. There will also be updated information on the website: www.bonn.de
Orig. text: Rüdiger Franz, Translation: ckloep
