Goethering redesign: City council approves variant as basis for further planning
06.02.2026
From four to one variant: the Office for Planning and Building is to pursue variant 1 "sunny side" as the planning basis for the redesign of the Goethering. This was decided by the municipal council at its last meeting, subject to a vote by the city councillors in February. The citizens who took part in the consultation process had also spoken out in favor of this option. At present, the Goethering is particularly dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists because they are easily overlooked. The variant that has been decided on should make it safer for all road users. It will also create more green spaces with 300 possible tree plantings as well as more quality areas for recreation and play.
In variant 1 "sunny side", the areas for cars and buses are mainly on the west side. On the east side, generous green spaces and a separate two-way cycle path are created. The green spaces are thus directly accessible as leisure and recreational areas from Nordend.
The planning also takes a possible tramway into account. Together with the City of Frankfurt, a feasibility study has been examining the reintroduction of a tram in the Offenbach urban area since 2022. The first results of this study are expected in mid-2026. One route option runs via the Goethering with a continuation via the Nordring / Hafenallee. If the study is positive, more in-depth investigations and further planning will follow.
Costs and schedule of the measure
The Office for Planning and Construction estimates the total project costs at around 40 million euros. The construction costs are assumed to be around 30 million euros. Around 10 million euros are calculated for planning costs, expert opinions, explosive ordnance investigation and extensive traffic routing during construction. Funds from the "Social Cohesion" urban development funding program are available to refinance the planning costs. Further funding for the construction work will be applied for via the Mobility Promotion Act (MobFöG) once the project has been approved - as there will then be a concrete cost estimate.
Following the decision by the city council, the award procedure for the further planning steps can take place. This means that planning can still begin in 2026. The city expects construction work on the redesign of the Goethering to begin in 2028.
Background
The Goethering plays a central role in Offenbach's transportation system. It connects the districts of Nordend, Kaiserlei and the port and is also a link to the highway. In July 2025, the city commissioned the planning office Bauchplan and con.sens Mobilitätsdesign. The aim was to create a viable basis for decision-making and planning for the future design of the Goethering. A total of four different variants were developed, two of which were examined in more detail after detailed evaluation. The main difference lies in the arrangement of the traffic and green spaces.