Traffic chaos after the gap is closed: residents fight against noise!

Traffic chaos after the gap is closed: residents fight against noise!

On June 28, 2025, the residents around the A49 near Edermünde will take stock of the closure of the gap between the A49 and the A5. This was ceremoniously opened on March 21, 2025 and has since then significantly changed the traffic situation in the region. Up to 56,000 vehicles now travel on this section every day, an increase of 17,000 vehicles compared to the previous period. The increase in long-distance traffic from the Rhine-Main area as well as from Kassel and Hanover is particularly noticeable.

However, together with the changed traffic routing, there is also an increase in noise pollution. Residents report increased noise, especially at night. The noise protection interest group A49 (IgL) expresses concerns about this situation. Residents can gain insight into the actual noise pollution through smart boxes that have been installed in the area. This technology enables continuous measurement and visualization of noise data, which is accessible to interested parties via a test dashboard.

Noise abatement measures and citizen engagement

Autobahn GmbH emphasizes that the noise protection in the new section complies with the applicable regulations. Nevertheless, residents of the old route are calling for the same protective measures to minimize the health effects of the increased traffic here. The forecasts for the increase in traffic were originally between 18,000 and 21,000 vehicles per day, but reality shows an increase of up to 21,000 vehicles between Fritzlar and Gudensberg, which has virtually doubled the traffic load in this region.

There is a high proportion of truck traffic, particularly at night, which has been identified as a significant source of noise. To address the problem, the IgL has proposed introducing a speed limit of 100 km/h between Edermünde and Baunatal Süd. The next meeting of the IgL is scheduled to take place on September 5th in Holzhausen am Hahn to discuss further measures.

Political support and citizen initiatives

The Edermünde municipal council is committed to noise and health protection. In this context, MdL Günter Rudolph also asked the state parliament about the new traffic figures. Efforts are being made to make the public aware of the challenges posed by increased traffic, with a petition also launched to harmonize noise protection measures for residents on existing and new motorways.

The newly founded citizens' initiative (BI Logistik Edermünde) is committed to noise protection and traced its founding back to the planned expansion of a Lidl logistics center. Given the full connection of the A49 to the A5, traffic is forecast to grow further to up to 78,000 vehicles per day, which brings additional challenges for residents. A recurring theme is the differences in obligations for noise protection measures between new buildings and existing roads.

Overall, the situation on the A49 shows that although closing the gap will improve the connection, it also poses significant challenges for residents that must be taken seriously. The various citizens' initiatives and political representatives are called upon to find adequate solutions to ensure the quality of life in the region. For further information about the noise protection measures and their effects, the website of the Interest Group Noise Protection A49 can be visited.