Call for a pedestrian crossing on the Gotthardstrasse

The Gotthardstrasse in Zug has been renovated and - according to the FDP and SP parliamentary groups in the city parliament – it’s now more dangerous than before. The city council is examining measures.

Two parliamentary groups in the Zug City Council (GGR) have identified a number of dangerous spots on the recently renovated Gotthardstrasse in Zug. These are located in the area of the railway station at the junction with the Alpenstrasse near Café Speck, and at the junction with the Grafenaustrasse and the Pilatusstrasse.

In a joint interpellation, the two parliamentary groups wanted to know how the city council (Stadtrat) will react to this situation, and the response from the city executive is now available. The City Council is aware that, despite the renovation work, there are still dangerous spots on the Gotthardstrasse, particularly at junctions.

Exceptions possible in sensitive areas
According to the city council, pedestrian crossings were deliberately avoided on the Gotthardstrasse ‘due to the introduction of 30 km/h speed limit and the pedestrian areas (Begegnungzonen), as the Alpenstrasse and the Gotthardstrasse cross at right angles.’ This means that pedestrians can cross the roads ‘on their own preferred route, without detours.’

Nevertheless, even though pedestrian crossings are not permitted in 30 km/h zones and pedestrian areas, there are exceptions. For example, if there is evidence that there is a special need for pedestrians to give way. This is particularly the case around schools or care homes. The crossing to the music school and the Neustadt care centre is located at the Grafenaustrasse/Gotthardstrasse junction.

In its response, the City Council writes that it can ‘envisage the re-marking of the pedestrian lane at the Grafenaustrasse/Gotthardstrasse junction as a priority’. A corresponding procedure will thereby be initiated with the canton. The situation at Café Speck will be monitored, and measures will be examined where necessary.

The traffic situation at the Gotthardstrasse junction is confusing       Photo: Kristina Gysi
The two crossings of the Gotthardstrasse      Source: Google Maps

Waiting area in the middle of the road
Further measures to increase road safety were also planned. For example, a brightly coloured concrete strip was to be installed in the middle of the Gotthardstrasse as a crossing aid. However: ‘Due to a production error, the colour of the coloured concrete was too dark,’ says the city council. ‘As soon as the temperatures rise, the situation will be improved by applying a light-coloured layer and placing ‘self-repairing pole-cone bollards’ (yellow ‘bees’).’

According to the city council, this will create, ‘an additional, clearly visible and protected waiting area in the centre of the road, where a stop can be made if necessary’, as originally planned. There are also plans to regularly sensitise road users with posters.