Improving the quality of public space in the Mönckebergstraße / Steinstraße area is a key project from the city center action plan. The focus of the current plans is the permanent division of bus traffic between the two streets and the pedestrian-friendly redesign of Steinstraße. The traffic-calming measures in Steinstrasse will strengthen the link between the core area of the city center and the Kontorhaus district.
The starting point for the plans for Steinstraße was the barrier-free expansion of subway line U3 in 2021, during the course of which all buses were temporarily relocated from Mönckebergstraße to Steinstraße. To this end, private traffic heading west was removed from Steinstraße and two bus lanes were set up. After completion of the U3 construction work, half of the bus routes were moved back to Mönckebergstraße.
In view of the different traffic routes, the Ministry foe Transport and Mobility Transition has developed a new traffic concept for the entire area in coordination with the other authorities and the transport companies. The central result of this study is the creation of a communal route in Steinstraße between Jakobikirchhof and Domplatz. In future, local public transport, cabs, bicycle traffic as well as loading and delivery traffic will be permitted on this section. In the eastern section of Steinstraße, access for private cars is still ensured; westbound via Bugenhagenstraße and eastbound via Steinstraße.
The permanent division of bus traffic between the two streets and the creation of a municipal route offers great development potential for the upgrade of Steinstraße. The width of Steinstrasse can be reduced to two lanes and the crossing options for pedestrians can be made much easier to use. Two rows of trees will be planted alongside the road in the wide side areas to create more shade and there will be space for more outdoor restaurants. The removal of transit traffic will reduce noise and exhaust pollution.
The traffic and spatial planning for the conversion of Steinstrasse has been underway since spring 2023 and several public participation events have been held as part of this process.
The conversion work is expected to start at the beginning of 2026.
