Unauthorized construction site carrying possible legal implications
Vibe of Harder Street's Overhaul
Let's Take a Gander at Harder Street's Current Overhaul Progress
The revamp of Harder Street in Ingolstadt is gearing up, aiming to give this essential northern artery a facelift and turn it into an inviting boulevard. Construction commenced in May 2024, aiming to boost stay quality and traffic safety.
The northern section's upgrades are almost complete, with deep construction measures wrapped up, but guardrails for planting areas and urgently needed seating are still AWOL. The area between Jesuit Street and Straße Am Stein remains off-limits for traffic.
The vision is to provide pedestrians plenty of space and slow down traffic. The road has been whittled down to 6.5 meters, while sidewalks have been expanded. A 30 km/h speed limit is planned to boost safety. Construction is slated to wrap up by summer 2025, but opinions are divided. While citizens praise the new greenery and high-quality paving, issues like seating and a separate bike lane still cause a commotion.
So, will Harder Street eventually be a win for everyone? Our mid-May survey shows an encouraging response from passersby. Over 60% rated the changes favorably, and over 30% even termed them excellent.
What makes folks laud the redesign is the new paving and greening with perennials and large trees. Besides aesthetically improving the area, these measures also aid in climate adaptation—a bonus numerous, such as jeweler Ali Han, espouse. But there's no escaping the grumbles—many complain about the absence of seating, primarily on the west side where the sidewalk already feels snug. Sabine Mestler from Kipfenberg argues, "It's all pretty cramped here." Navigating shops' exits can be challenging, especially when e-scooters or cyclists are present on the sidewalk. It's common sense for some that a separate bike lane would be ideal, as emphasized by Jörg Tiedt.
Fears and Facts on Safety
Thoughts on security differ. Most people find the atmosphere pleasant, but some business owners express apprehensions: "Social issues in Harder Street keep me on edge. Many express insecurity during winter evenings," reports a concerned shopkeeper. However, these issues can't be tackled by construction measures.
The Sparkling New Attractions
Perks that Grab the Eye
New Paving and Greenery: The eye-catching paving and greenery updates are commended for imbuing the street with a fresh, inviting look. However, noticeable gaps remain in the northern section of the street, primarily due to the absence of guardrails. Further, seating—hopefully arriving in September—is top of mind.
The Boss' Take
Opinions among businesses are divided. Some appreciate the improved stay quality, while others complain about reduced parking spaces in front of their stores. Muneeb Ahmad, a merchant running a small supermarket on the east side, laments, "Some regular customers struggle to find parking and thus shy away." However, Luigi Barone yearns for more outdoor dining on the west side at Rappensberger. Though Harder Street might not be a one-stop wonderland, enhancing safety, adding seating, and improving cycling infrastructure remain crucial points that the city needs to address. Thanks to all who participated in the survey.
Framing: Uschi WilhelmPortraits: Hartmann/our website
The revamp might positively impact the finance industry in Ingolstadt, as increased foot traffic on the overhauled Harder Street could boost business opportunities for retailers.
With the new focus on transportation safety, the industry sector could also benefit from reduced accidents and improved traffic flow along Harder Street. This improvement could lead to financial savings for insurance companies and transportation organizations.
