Site characterstics & light modifications:
The pier area of Teufelsbrück is part of the “Elbwanderweg” (Germany's most popular long-distance cycle path) for which species protection reports are requested. Our project partner the District of Hamburg-Altonais commissioned by the district assembly to continuously illuminate the Elbe Cyclingpath and develop, together with the Hamburg Traffic Facility Ltd., a sustainable lighting concept for the area.
The route spans approximately 3.5 kilometres, accommodating pedestrians and cyclists on a 4-metre-wide surface consisting of asphalt and waterbound materials. During daily peak hours, more than 5.000 cyclists and pedestrians travel each direction along the river Elbe. Notably, public steps and long stairs are illuminated, providing visibility from the pathway to the "Elbchaussee" street. The overall environment is characterized by public parks with a landscape featuring mature trees, various bushes, and reed beds.
The primary objectives of the demonstrator site revolve around addressing light pollution through sustainable public lighting. The focus is on closing gaps in lighting infrastructure along the pathway and adjacent areas. The project aims to minimise adverse effects on nocturnal species by implementing modern lighting solutions that align with environmental considerations.
A main challenge at this demonstrator site is to balance all stakeholders needs. To install environmental sound light reduction solutions, the District of Altona needs to balance between the high requirement of everyday functionality (significant crowd of commuters at peak times, as well as leisure traffic) and habitat protection.
Environmental impacts of the lighting will be monitored in marine and terrestrial habitat before and after the modifications. Find out more about the ecological monitoring and the process of establishing the monitoring protocols here.