The Mayor of Bonn was delighted with the start of construction on the banks of the Rhine. She emphasized that the planning had been careful with the existing trees, which are still being added to in many places, and that climate adaptation measures had been taken into account with large-scale unsealing and species-rich planting structures. The plans also include wide promenade areas with more space for pedestrians and cyclists. "One aim of the redesign is to unseal the Rhine embankment promenade and thus adapt it to the consequences of the climate crisis," said Katja Dörner. She emphasized that numerous wishes from citizens who have been involved in the planning process, both on site and online, have also been incorporated into the plans.

"The banks of the Rhine are one of the central meeting points in the city center and a place of recreation for many people from Bonn and the region. The climate-friendly redesign will make the areas more resilient to the increasing heat and drought. The open connection to the city center and the traffic calming of the Rhine embankment roads will increase the quality of stay and further enliven the Rhine embankment. The aim is to create a lively place for people in the heart of the city," says city planning officer Helmut Wiesner, looking forward to the start of construction.

Work between Josefstraße and Altem Zoll will begin with the construction and marking of the roadway. Motorized traffic - which is necessary for traffic from Beuel to bypass the Kennedy Bridge in a southerly direction and for access to the Opernparkgarage - will in future be routed via a road between Josefstraße and Rheingasse with a structurally separated bike lane. All other areas will be traffic-calmed in the course of the conversion. Necessary motorized traffic (delivery and emergency traffic, buses, residents) will still be able to use the Rhine embankment roads in future.

The promenade areas will then be laid out. The first construction phase covers an area of almost 20,000 square meters, which is being worked on. More than 3,000 square meters can be unsealed as part of the project. Pedestrian promenade areas with friendly, light-colored granite slabs and clod-like planting areas will be created. Planning highlights include a multifunctional children's play area under the motto "Children's Rights Square" around the existing lime tree at the Rhine pavilion, a fountain area in front of the opera garage and a seating area in front of the Lindenallee north of the Kennedy Bridge.

The total costs for the first construction phase amount to 10.4 million euros. The city is receiving funding from the urban development and local mobility funding programs, while its own contribution amounts to around two million euros. Completion of the first construction phase is scheduled for the end of 2025. "The Rhine embankment promenade will soon shine in new splendor and invite many citizens, as well as tourists from near and far, to linger along the Rhine," said Mayor Katja Dörner.

Construction fences with perspective representations on site visualize the final construction and provide a link to the City of Bonn's website, where further information on the construction site and other planning steps can be found. www.  bonn.de/rheinufer (opens in a new tab)