Making sure sidewalks remain safe when they are closed for construction or repairs is a crucial task for businesses and organizations working on German streets. With the introduction of updated rules like RSA 21 and MVAS 99, all project managers and contractors in Germany must pay special attention to the safety of pedestrians around construction zones. This article will explain how to set up a solid RSA regelplan gehwegsperrung for managing sidewalk closures based on the necessary German guidelines. We will break down the steps for your team to follow, ensuring both legal compliance and safety for everyone.

What Are RSA 21 and MVAS 99 Guidelines?

Germany has strict rules controlling how roadworks are secured, especially in busy urban areas. The RSA 21 (Richtlinien für die Sicherung von Arbeitsstellen an Straßen) standard, updated in 2021, sets requirements for protecting people while work is underway on public roads and sidewalks. MVAS 99 deals mostly with the training and certification of workers who plan and manage these security measures, making sure they are truly qualified.

• RSA 21 includes guidelines for different road types, both busy city streets and federal highways.
• MVAS 99 outlines what kind of training and knowledge are needed to design safe work areas.
• Following RSA 21 improves safety, keeps pathways clear for pedestrians, and helps reduce risks.

Anyone responsible for road construction or sidewalk closures is legally obligated to follow these standards in Germany. Adherence protects companies from legal trouble and helps ensure projects are given official approval.

Mapping Out Your Sidewalk Closure Plan

Detailed preparation is the first and perhaps most important step for a safe sidewalk closure in line with RSA rules. Your plan should always start with the people who will be affected most: the pedestrians.

Step 1: Check and Assess the Area

• Take a thorough look at the current sidewalk, checking its surface, how wide it is, and how many people use it.
• Look carefully for any risks, such as having to walk into the road due to the closure or dangerous narrow sections.
• Map nearby streets and assess both car and pedestrian movements to select the correct safety measures as required by RSA 21 for different road types.

Step 2: Setting Up Safe Detours

• Designate a new, temporary path for pedestrians that is clearly marked and easy to follow.
• Ensure the alternative sidewalk is smooth and wide enough for everyone—including people with strollers or wheelchairs.
• Use prominent signs to tell people about the closure ahead of time and direct them along the new route.

Step 3: Involve Local Decision–Makers

• Reach out to city or highway authorities and submit your proposed safety plan for their review and approval.
• Tell emergency services about your plans to make sure help can reach the area if needed.
• Try to time the sidewalk closure for hours with fewer pedestrians if possible, to keep inconvenience low.

By working with authorities and considering the public, your plan will be better aligned with both the law and the needs of the community.

Putting the Plan Into Action

After planning and getting permission, the real work starts at the site itself. Ensuring proper implementation can make a crucial difference in daily safety.

Step 1: Set Up Safety Devices

• Put up warning signs, barricades, and traffic cones according to RSA 21 layouts. Make sure everything is visible at night and in poor weather.
• Install sturdy barriers that stop people from entering risky areas or walking too close to moving cars.
• Arrange for lighting if people will need to use the detour after dark.

Step 2: Help People Find Their Way

• Use clear, friendly signs set up before the closure to warn pedestrians about the sidewalk changes coming up.
• Add signs along the route that point the way to the new detour.
• Make it easy to understand how to use the work site safely by putting up simple directions.

Step 3: Keep Checking and Improving

• Inspect your detours and signs regularly to make sure all safety features stay in place and can be seen clearly.
• Stay open to feedback from both people using the walkways and city inspectors, updating barriers or directions as needed.
• Train on–site staff so they can help guide the public and act if there is any emergency.

Dedicated day–to–day attention is one of the best ways to prevent injuries or confusion during the duration of the work.

Extra Advice for Safer Sidewalk Closures

There are some simple strategies you can adopt to improve safety and convenience even further during sidewalk closure projects:

• Always meet the needs of people with disabilities by using ramps and gentle surfaces.
• Try to keep alternative routes short and straightforward. The simpler you make it, the more likely people are to use the correct detour.
• Notify the neighborhood about your planned closure through signs, local community channels, or news.
• Ensure that emergency routes are never blocked and that help can always get through if needed.
• Make sure your site managers have completed training and received certifications such as those specific to RSA 21 and MVAS 99.

Why Training and Accreditation Matter

Construction firms and professionals who handle sidewalk closures or road safety issues in Germany are expected to have proper credentials in RSA 21 and MVAS 99. With current and specialized training, workers can:

• Remain in line with the latest legal and industry requirements.
• Minimize risks for both workers and the public.
• Develop better and more effective safety plans, making sure each safety step is set up for a real reason, not just because it’s required.

Qualified teams truly understand each step of the process, which boosts trust and efficiency in every project.

Organizing a safe sidewalk closure is a critical part of any road or building project in Germany. Careful preparation, working with certified staff, regular monitoring, and always keeping public safety first means following not just the rules, but also best practice. By following the RSA 21 and MVAS 99 standards, your team can reduce risk, limit inconvenience, and offer people safe, simple ways to get around construction areas. Engaging in certified training also ensures you’re always up–to–date and in line with Germany’s high road safety expectations, leading to a community that is safer and better informed.