Pedestrian underpassGermany

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Germany

66. Pedestrian underpass

A pedestrian underpass is a passage that allows pedestrians to travel beneath a road, railway or other obstacle without crossing the traffic route at the same level. It is a form of grade-separated pedestrian crossing.

Pedestrian underpasses may be reached by stairs, ramps or lifts and can form part of a wider footpath or pedestrian network. Cyclists and other users may use the underpass only when the design, signs and local regulations permit them to do so.

Pedestrian underpass sign near the Stiftskirche. (Herrenberg, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Alexander Migl • CC BY-SA

What is a pedestrian underpass?

A pedestrian underpass is a passage that allows pedestrians to cross beneath a road, railway or other obstacle without entering the traffic route above.

Why are pedestrian underpasses used?

They separate pedestrians from motor vehicles, trains or other traffic, reducing direct conflicts at busy or high-speed crossings.

Is a pedestrian underpass the same as a tunnel?

Not exactly. A pedestrian underpass is specifically intended to allow pedestrians to pass beneath an obstacle, while a tunnel can carry roads, railways, pedestrians or other forms of transport.

Is an underpass the same as a pedestrian overpass?

No. An underpass passes beneath the obstacle, while an overpass or footbridge carries pedestrians above it. Both provide grade-separated crossings.

Can cyclists use a pedestrian underpass?

This depends on the signs and design of the facility. Some underpasses are shared with cyclists, while pedestrian-only underpasses may require cyclists to dismount.

Can a pedestrian underpass have a cycle path?

Yes. Some underpasses contain separate or shared pedestrian and cycle facilities so both categories can cross safely away from motor traffic.

Can motor vehicles use a pedestrian underpass?

No when the passage is specifically reserved for pedestrians. Maintenance or emergency access may be permitted in exceptional circumstances.

Can an underpass be accessible to wheelchairs?

Yes, when suitably designed. Ramps or lifts can provide step-free access, although accessibility depends on the individual facility.

Do pedestrians have to follow signs inside an underpass?

Yes. Users must follow any signs indicating permitted users, direction of travel, separated sections or temporary closures.

Can a pedestrian underpass be temporarily closed?

Yes. Maintenance, flooding, construction, safety concerns or other circumstances may require temporary closure or diversion.

Does an underpass give pedestrians priority over traffic above?

The underpass physically separates the movements, so pedestrians do not directly cross the traffic route above. Priority rules still apply wherever the pedestrian route later crosses another roadway or cycle facility.

What should cyclists do in a pedestrian-only underpass?

Where cycling is not permitted, cyclists should dismount and continue on foot if pedestrian access with a bicycle is allowed.

International border

Cycling route

1 Germany 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Tunnel 12 Bridge 13 Cycling street 14 Pedestrian zone 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 School area 34 Overtaking 35 Crossing animals 36 Slippery road 37 Rockfall 38 Aircraft 39 Curve 40 Chevron 41 Wrong-way driving 42 Roadworks 43 Crosswind 44 Height limit 45 Width limit 46 Length limit 47 Weight limit 48 Radar speed sign 49 Selective barriers 50 Low-emission zone 51 Intersection direction sign 52 Priority at the next junction 53 Traffic lights 54 Traffic lights warning 55 Pedestrian lights 56 Road markings 57 Junction layout 58 Bike box 59 Speed feedback 60 Driving licence 61 Location marker 62 Countdown markers 63 Traffic mirror 64 Emergency telephone 65 International border 66 Pedestrian underpass 67 Cycling route 68 End of restriction 69 Parking 70 No parking 71 No stopping 72 Parallel parking 73 Park and ride 74 Kiss and ride 75 Parking meter 76 Parking disc 77 Disabled parking 78 Traffic management 79 Reversing 80 Traffic jam 81 Detour 82 Uncontrolled crossroad 83 Road surface 84 Exit 85 Horse riding 86 Provisional licence 87 Hazardous cargo 88 Emergency exit 89 Runaway truck ramp 90 Oversize load 91 Cycle highway 92 Carsharing 93 City limit 94 Gantry 95 Distance board 96 Breakdown bay 97 Hiking 98 Pavement parking 99 Road church 100 Tourist attraction ...