New traffic arrangements have been in place around Birchstrasse since 19 October and are scheduled to remain until 31 October 2027.
Birchstrasse is closed towards the city centre between Binzmühlestrasse and Birchplatz; outward traffic can continue in one direction. Regensbergbrücke is closed towards Affoltern up to Birchplatz but remains open towards Schwamendingen. Depending on the journey, the city traffic notice directs drivers via Schaffhauserstrasse, Wehntalerstrasse or Binzmühlestrasse.
What changes for bus passengers
For routes 61 and 62, the diversion affects journeys towards Affoltern between Regensbergbrücke and Neuaffoltern. According to the VBZ notice:
- Oberwiesenstrasse is not served in this direction; passengers should use Birchdörfli instead.
- At Regensbergbrücke, buses towards Affoltern depart from the tram stop.
- Buses towards Oerlikon station continue on their usual route.
The outward and return journey may therefore require different walks to or from a stop. Anyone heading for a familiar boarding point should pay particular attention to the direction of travel.
Work below the road as well
The restrictions are part of a wider infrastructure project. The construction notice dated 10 August describes sewer replacement, an extension of the district heating network, and repairs to water and gas pipes. The road surface and a retaining wall are also included. Work on the overall project began on 24 August, before this traffic phase. The construction timetable remains dependent on progress.
The civil engineering department also offers notifications through the municipal online account for construction near a registered address. Residents can use these to follow later stages of the work.
Check the specific journey beforehand
For up-to-date connections, use the ZVV journey planner and enter your starting point, destination, travel date and preferred time. Digital departure displays and information inside vehicles also report departures and disruption. An app is optional: the website is available, and ZVV-Contact provides telephone information on 0800 988 988.
Our practical advice is to allow some flexibility for a first journey after the change and to agree on the exact stop when meeting someone. A diversion does not establish a fixed amount of extra travel time. The actual connection, time of day and traffic conditions remain decisive.
Anyone travelling with a pushchair, heavy luggage or reduced mobility should also check the walk to the replacement stop. When meeting others, an agreed meeting point may work better than the usual stop. For a regular journey, it is worth planning both directions.