Well-attended information event on the expansion of Sankt-Jakob-Straße

On Thursday, 21.08.2025, a public information event was held in the conference room of Kommunalservice Jena on the planned ground-breaking expansion of Sankt-Jakob-Straße. Around 35 visitors came to find out more about the joint project between the city of Jena, Kommunalservice Jena (KSJ), Stadtwerke Jena Netze GmbH and Zweckverband JenaWasser. The aim of the project is to modernize Sankt-Jakob-Straße in the long term and at the same time improve the quality of life in the Damenviertel district.

Project start in September

Construction is scheduled to start in September (week 37). Over a length of around 250 meters between Max-Wien-Platz and Spittelplatz, the existing infrastructure will be comprehensively renovated, probably by mid-2027. To begin with, a modern, trenchless relining method will be used: a new main drinking water pipe will be pulled into an existing pipe. This means that only selective excavation pits need to be created, so that traffic disruption will be minimal at the start of the project.

Subsequently, in 2026, the basic expansion of the road structure and sidewalks will begin. According to the construction schedule, work will begin on the southern side of Sankt-Jakob-Straße, while the opposite side will remain open to through traffic. In 2027, the changeover will take place and the road and sidewalk work will be carried out on the other side.

Comprehensive measures

In the subsequent construction phases, further work will be carried out on Philosophenweg, Kritzegraben and Sankt-Jakob-Straße. The plans include

• Construction of a new retaining wall on Kritzegraben
• Construction of four public charging points for electric cars
• Installation of a new main drinking water pipe
• Renewal of the wastewater service connections
• Reinforcement of the low-voltage network
• Checking and, if necessary, upgrading the district heating pipes
• Fiber optic expansion to improve the broadband supply
• Installation of new, energy-efficient street lighting
• Complete renewal of the road surface

The sidewalks will be widened, made barrier-free and fitted with lowered kerbs. The number of parking spaces will remain the same, but the parking regulations will be adapted. The measure will be supplemented by additional bicycle stands and an ecological upgrade of the central reservation. The existing tree population will be retained and missing trees will be added. A specialist consultant is accompanying the work.

Exchange with local residents

Following the project presentation, participants took the opportunity to ask questions. The focus was particularly on the timing and construction process, accessibility, the parking situation, the design of the immediate surroundings and the preservation of local vegetation.