Proposal requested for a worker radiation safety directive, addressing risks from ionizing radiation exposure, by the Commission.
In the heart of Düsseldorf, the Rhine Knee Bridge (Rheinkniebrücke) experienced chaotic traffic conditions during the first weekend of the Rhine fair and drone show. The events, which attracted a large number of visitors, exposed some shortcomings in the traffic management plan.
Passengers on Rhinebahn buses, travelling to the fair with the destination "Stop Jugendherberge," were unexpectedly let out by a confused bus driver at the foot of Herzogstraße, forcing them to walk to the fair on foot across the closed roadway. This incident highlights the need for clearer communication and better coordination between public transit and traffic management.
Meanwhile, numerous Uber drivers let their passengers out on the overtaking lane of the Rhine knee bridge, forcing pedestrians to jump and run onto the bridge's pedestrian path. This dangerous situation could have been avoided with designated pedestrian pathways separated from vehicle lanes with barriers.
The display "P+R Provinzial" in the south of Düsseldorf, intended to guide drivers to parking facilities, is not easily understood by Düsseldorfers or foreign guests. Clearer signage pointing to "Park&Ride" options is necessary to prevent confusion and ensure a smoother flow of traffic.
The Rhinebahn driver of line 835, just before 8 pm, noticed the closure of the access road Herzogstraße and radioed the control center for instructions. However, the driver was confused and had to explain that he couldn't drive an articulated bus into unknown streets. The absence of police patrol cars at the access road, who could have provided guidance, added to the confusion.
Two motorcycle riders in emergency mode approached from Oberkassel with lights and sirens, but only closed the access road briefly each time. Access road Herzogstraße to the Rhine knee bridge was closed to traffic at 8 pm on Saturday (12.7.).
A dangerous moment occurred when pedestrians were going onto the bridge on the right, while traffic was still flowing on the left. This incident underscores the importance of temporary traffic restrictions or closures during large events to prioritize pedestrian safety.
On Saturday, the right lane towards Oberkassel was only closed shortly before the drone show, causing a long traffic jam. The Rhinebahn was surprised by the closure and no security forces were visible.
To improve safety and efficiency, recommendations often include enhanced real-time communication to the public via apps, websites, and signage about closures and alternative routes. The installation of more visible, physical barriers between pedestrians and vehicles, increased presence of traffic enforcement officers during events, and the implementation of smart traffic control systems to adapt signal timing dynamically are also crucial.
Better integration of pedestrian and cyclist traffic planning is essential to ensure a smooth flow of traffic during events. In the future, Düsseldorf city traffic management authorities, event organizers, and the Verkehrsmanagement Düsseldorf (Traffic Management Düsseldorf) should work together to address these issues and provide a safer, more efficient traffic management plan for the Rhine Knee Bridge during events.
- In the health-and-wellness sector, clearer communication and better coordination are crucial for public transit, as a misunderstood bus route by a driver during the Rhine fair led to passengers having to walk.
- Finance and industry could play a role in readdressing the issue of confusing signage in Düsseldorf's transportation system, as evidenced by signs like "P+R Provinzial" causing confusion for locals and foreign guests.
- The fitness-and-exercise lifestyle calls for designated pedestrian pathways, especially during events like the Rhine fair, to prevent dangerous situations like pedestrians having to run onto bridges' pedestrian paths due to improper parking by Uber drivers.
- The science of transportation and public transit could provide solutions for the chaotic traffic conditions experienced on the Rhine Knee Bridge during events, such as implementing smart traffic control systems, real-time communication to the public, and increasing traffic enforcement officers' presence.
