Traffic chaos after closing the gaps: residents fight noise!

Traffic chaos after closing the gaps: residents fight noise!

On June 28, 2025, residents around the A49 near Edermünde draw a first balance after the gap between the A49 and the A5. This was ceremoniously opened on March 21, 2025 and has changed the traffic situation in the region since then. Every day, up to 56,000 vehicles now drive on this section, which corresponds to an increase of 17,000 vehicles compared to the previous time. The increase in long-distance traffic from the Rhine-Main area as well as from Kassel and Hanover.

Together with the changed traffic routing, however, there is also an increase in noise pollution. Residents report increased noise, especially in the night. The interest group of noise protection A49 (IGL) expresses concerns about this situation. The residents receive insights into the actual noise pollution from smart boxes that have been installed in the area. This technique enables continuous measurement and visualization of the noise data, which interested parties are accessible via a test dashboard.

noise protection measures and civil engagement

The Autobahn GmbH emphasizes that the noise protection in the new construction section corresponds to the applicable regulations. Nevertheless, residents of the Alt-Trasse require the same protective measures to minimize the health effects of increased traffic here. The forecasts for the traffic increase were originally between 18,000 and 21,000 vehicles a day, but reality even shows an increase of up to 21,000 vehicles between Fritzlar and Gudensberg, which the traffic load in this region almost doubled.

A high proportion of truck traffic, which was identified as a significant cause of noise, is particularly evident at night. In order to meet the problem, the IGL has proposed to introduce a speed limit of 100 km/h between Edermünde and Baunatal Süd. A next meeting of the IGL is to take place in Holzhausen am Hahn on September 5th to discuss further measures.

political support and citizens' initiatives

The Edermünder municipal council is committed to noise and health protection. In this context, MdL Günter Rudolph also made an inquiry in the state parliament on the new traffic figures. One tries to draw the public aware of the challenges of increased traffic loads, whereby a petition to align the noise protection measures for residents on existing and new motorways was also started.

The newly founded citizens' initiative (BI Logistik Edermünde) is committed to noise protection and has attributed its foundation to the planned expansion of a Lidl logistics center. In view of the full connection of the A49 to the A5, further growth of traffic is predicted to up to 78,000 vehicles per day, which brings additional challenges for residents. A recurring topic are the differences in the obligations for noise protection measures between new buildings and existing roads.

Overall, the situation on the A49 shows that the gap closure ensures improvements in the connection, but also has considerable challenges for residents who have to be taken seriously. The various citizens' initiatives and political representatives are required to find adequate solutions to ensure the quality of life in the region. For more information about the noise protection measures and their effects, the website of the interest group of noise protection A49 can be visited.