Bern residents and commuters should prepare for significant traffic disruptions from Tuesday, October 28, to Thursday, October 30, due to the official state visit of South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. Road closures and public transport limitations will affect the city center and surrounding areas.
Key Takeaways
- South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa visits Switzerland from October 28-30.
- Bern will experience temporary road and square closures from Tuesday to Thursday.
- Wednesday will see the most significant disruptions, especially around Bundesplatz.
- Public transport services will also face limitations during the visit.
- Motorists should plan alternative routes and allow extra travel time.
Extensive Closures in City Center
The Kantonspolizei announced Friday that various streets and squares across Bern will be temporarily inaccessible. These measures are essential to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the presidential visit. The closures will impact both vehicle traffic and public transportation networks.
Wednesday, October 29, marks the peak of these restrictions. President Ramaphosa will receive a reception with military honors at Bundesplatz. This event necessitates comprehensive closures in the immediate vicinity of the federal buildings.
Important Fact
The Bundesplatz is a central public square in Bern, located in front of the Federal Palace, which houses the Swiss Parliament and Federal Council.
Wednesday's Core Restrictions
On Wednesday, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, a section of Bundesgasse will be closed. The area surrounding the East and West Federal Houses, along with their access roads and Inselgasse, will also be inaccessible. These closures are critical for the security protocol during the presidential reception.
In the afternoon, Amtshausgasse and Schauplatzgasse will also be closed. These additional restrictions will further limit movement within the city center. Commuters are advised to avoid these areas if possible and seek alternative routes.
"We urge all citizens and visitors to consult official police announcements and public transport updates for the latest information on specific closures and timings," stated a representative from the Kantonspolizei.
Impact on Public Transport and Access
Public transport services will face temporary limitations throughout the three-day period. Specific routes may be diverted or experience delays. Passengers planning to use buses or trams in Bern should check the schedules and route changes in advance.
While many areas will be restricted, access to key locations like Hotel Bellevue and the Casino car park remains possible. Drivers can reach these destinations via Kirchenfeldbrücke, Casinoplatz, and Münzgraben. However, these routes may also experience increased traffic due to diversions.
Background Information
State visits involve extensive security measures, including road closures and police presence, to protect dignitaries and ensure public order. These protocols are standard practice for high-profile international guests.
Planning Your Commute
The Kantonspolizei also noted that other streets and alleys could be closed at short notice. This emphasizes the dynamic nature of security operations during such high-level events. Flexibility and preparedness are key for navigating the city during this period.
Residents with appointments or travel plans within Bern should allocate extra time for their journeys. Using public transport outside the affected zones or opting for walking and cycling where feasible could help mitigate delays. Staying informed through local news channels and official police announcements is crucial.
Duration of Restrictions
The traffic restrictions will be in effect from Tuesday, October 28, through Thursday, October 30. While Wednesday will see the most extensive closures, commuters should expect some level of disruption on all three days.
The police have not yet released a detailed schedule for all minor closures, advising that some might be implemented spontaneously based on operational needs. This requires continued vigilance from the public.
- Tuesday, October 28: Expect temporary closures, details to be confirmed.
- Wednesday, October 29: Major closures from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM around Bundesplatz, Bundesgasse, Inselgasse, Amtshausgasse, and Schauplatzgasse.
- Thursday, October 30: Anticipate temporary closures, similar to Tuesday.
The visit underscores the importance of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and South Africa. While temporary inconveniences are expected, these measures are vital for the successful execution of such an important state visit.