The city of Jena is planning a major upgrade of Ziegenhainer Straße

The city of Jena is planning to fundamentally upgrade Ziegenhainer Straße between Friedrich-Engels-Straße and the bus loop. The urban development and environment committee discussed and decided on the project at its meeting yesterday (28.05.2026).

The approximately 600-metre-long stretch is an important connection for the residential areas in the Ziegenhainer Tal and is also a much-used access route for walkers and hikers in the direction of Fuchsturm and Wöllmisse. The condition of the road has deteriorated significantly in recent years, making a comprehensive renovation necessary. Construction is currently scheduled to start in 2028.

"The upgrade will not only improve the quality of the road, but will also make it safer and more pleasant for all road users. In addition to the renewal of the road surface and sidewalks, local public transport, pedestrian traffic and the climate-adapted design of the road space will also be improved," explains Dirk Lange, Head of Urban Development and Environment.

Reorganization of the street space

In future, there will be continuous and paved footpaths on both sides of Ziegenhainer Straße. It is particularly important to relieve the northern sidewalk, which is often blocked by parked vehicles. Parking will remain possible, but will be organized on the carriageway in future. The speed limit of 30 km/h will remain in place. Cyclists will continue to ride on the carriageway as before.

The junction with Grillparzerweg will also be redesigned. Plans include better organization of the parking spaces and container locations, new bicycle parking facilities and additional greenery. New seating is also to be created in a nearby green area.

Climate-adapted design

Another focus is on the climate-adapted design of the street. A largely continuous row of trees is planned along the northern sidewalk. The trees will provide more shade and cooling in the street in future. In addition, further options are being examined to allow rainwater to seep away better on site and thus improve the urban climate.

As part of the construction work, the Ziegenhainer Bach will also be gradually separated from the combined sewer. This should reduce the amount of extraneous water entering the sewage treatment plant in future. At the same time, existing pipes and supply systems will be adapted.

Local public transport

Local public transport is also being taken into account: A charging facility for electric buses is to be installed at the terminus of bus route 16. This is to be integrated directly into the construction project.

Examination of further measures

In addition, it will be examined how additional recreational and play elements can be integrated into the street space in the sense of a playable and ownable city. The street lighting will also be renewed if necessary and supplemented with additional empty conduits. As part of the project, existing cables and utilities will also be adapted to the future street design or partially relocated.

Costs and start of construction

The total cost of the project is around 4.4 million euros. The city's own contribution is expected to be around 3.3 million euros.

Committees

The plans have already been coordinated with various participatory bodies, including the Kernberge district council, the mobility advisory board and the "Barrier-free Jena" working group.