Köniz pushes for higher traffic limits to boost local business growth

The municipality of Köniz has asked the Canton of Bern to raise the daily traffic limit for the Juch Hallmatt area. The proposed increase, from 8,000 to 12,000 trips per day, aims to support development on remaining vacant plots and attract new businesses. Officials argue that rejecting the request could push operations to less central locations, increasing commute times and CO₂ emissions.

The Juch Hallmatt area, located near the Niederwangen motorway exit, is already home to the Bauhaus home improvement store. Its traffic allowance has previously been debated, but the latest proposal forms part of a wider plan to develop the remaining land. A new Bern cantonal police headquarters, set to employ around 1,400 staff, is also planned for the site and will nearly exhaust the current traffic limit.

To manage the increased flow, additional infrastructure measures and traffic management systems will be introduced. Public transport will receive priority during peak hours to ease congestion. Safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians are included, with studies confirming that noise and air quality standards will still be met.

The revised traffic limits would be written into the cantonal master plan. A public consultation on the partial revision is expected in autumn 2026.

If approved, the higher traffic allowance would enable further development in Juch Hallmatt while keeping businesses centrally located. The plan balances growth with measures to maintain smooth traffic flow and protect safety. The final decision will follow public consultation in late 2026.