Bad Hersfeld is planning creative noise barriers: Citizens help shape it!

Bad Hersfeld is planning creative noise barriers: Citizens help shape it!

There is currently intensive discussion in Bad Hersfeld about the future of noise barriers. As part of an information event led by Mayor Anke Hofmann in the town hall, around 40 citizens had the opportunity to get actively involved. The reason was the planned project to design noise barriers as part of the expansion of the Fulda-Gerstungen railway line. The city has already concluded a cooperation agreement with Deutsche Bahn (DB), which is covering the planning costs and has commissioned a design agency to do the design. Hersfeld newspaper reports on the details of the event and the concepts presented.

The noise barriers will be up to six meters high, but implementation is not planned for the 2030s at the earliest. The DB has already received some data and photos about Bad Hersfeld's identity in order to optimally adapt the design. The three design proposals that were presented to the magistrate in September were particularly exciting:

Diverse design concepts

• Konzept 1: Legt besonderen Wert auf lokale Verankerung durch grafische Elemente wie Fotos von Stiftsruine und Katharinenturm.
• Konzept 2: Fokussiert auf Materialität, Textur und Qualität.
• Konzept 3: Prädestiniert für eine abstrakte Gestaltung, die fließende Bewegung und die Natur betont.

These concepts should not only be functional, but also use the walls as a visual “canvas” so as not to appear cramped. Transparent elements could be integrated, but these offer less noise protection. It was emphasized at the event that the exact number and heights of the walls have not yet been determined. Citizens had the opportunity to contribute their own ideas and make suggestions.

Citizen participation and future planning

Mayor Anke Hofmann assured that all ideas will be taken into account in further planning. It is already clear that costs will play an important role in the decisions. Even if greening the walls will not be possible due to a required distance of 1.5 meters, the citizens' suggestions are of great importance. Graffiti is not permitted but may still occur.

The noise barriers will be installed at various locations, including the train station and the high bridge. By actively involving citizens and presenting several design options, the city of Bad Hersfeld shows that it cares about the opinions and wishes of its citizens. Hersfeld newspaper highlights that Concept 1 may be citizens' favorite.