Dialogue Process Westast Motorway, Biel

The A5 Westast highway project, involving two major junction structures in the city center of Biel, is a highly controversial issue. Originally conceived purely as transport infrastructure to close a network gap in the national highway system, the project dates back to the 1960s and is now considered outdated. It has caused numerous problems and conflicts, leading to strong political opposition. Because the project affects a significant part of the city and region, urban development has been blocked in many areas. A dialogue process involving both proponents and opponents was initiated to develop new, shared recommendations and approaches. The goal was to overcome the deadlock and enable the sustainable, qualitative development of the region.

The dialogue process aimed to create constructive collaboration among polarized groups, often with very conflicting interests. In particular, urban traffic is a politically sensitive issue. Additionally, the process sought to identify new, robust, and future-proof solutions. Central to the effort was a jointly developed vision for the future, which revealed that the Westast project contradicts the development of a vibrant, attractive region. This insight ultimately led to the decision not to pursue the current implementation project.

For the planning and mobility experts, it was essential to explain the complex urban and transport-related issues in a clear and well-founded manner while also pointing to viable alternatives. The process enabled meaningful discussion of key technical topics that had previously been neglected or intentionally overlooked in earlier planning phases. Four core themes emerged as central to the process:

• The equal and integrated treatment of urban planning and transport

• The consideration of time and the existing urban fabric

• Cross-scale planning approaches

• Pragmatic implementation through small, interconnected interventions

These four themes structure the final recommendations from the dialogue process. They represent a paradigm shift in planning practice and have far-reaching implications. The findings not only support the sustainable development of the Biel region but also offer inspiration for tackling similar challenges in other cities and municipalities.