S1 gap closure: Finally less traffic jam for the east region!

S1 gap closure: Finally less traffic jam for the east region!

On September 25, 2025, Transport Minister Peter Hanke announced the long -awaited gap in the S1. This decision is rated by the Lower Austrian Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner as an enormous progress for the region. In particular, the residents of the East region should benefit from the measure, since the traffic jam is to be significantly reduced by the gap closure. Lower Austria had urged to realize this central traffic project for many years.

The governor emphasized that the Federal Government under Chancellor Christian Stocker has fundamentally changed traffic policy in recent years, which will have a positive effect on infrastructure development. Mikl-Leitner not only sees the gap closure as a progress for the S1, but also important for the future implementation of the S8 in the Marchfeld.

Meaning for the economy

Transport Minister Hanke explained that the gap in the S1 was necessary to secure the Eastern region in the long term and to improve the quality of life. The creation of up to 25,000 jobs and additional living space for around 55,000 people is cited as a positive effect of the planned construction project. Udo Landbauer, FPÖ state party chairman, described the step as overdue and expressed his support for the rapid implementation of this important project.

In addition to the S1, Hanke also announced the approval for the controversial praise tunnel. However, this project is very controversial, especially because of its location in the Lobau nature reserve. The planning of the praise tunnel began in 2001 and was supplemented by a strategic environmental examination that began in 2003. The tunnel, which is said to have a length of 8.2 kilometers and will run 60 meters deep below the Danube, is intended as part of a more comprehensive infrastructure project.

Environmental exams and challenges

The environmental impact assessment for the Lobautunnel lasted about nine years and received a positive judgment of the Federal Administrative Court in spring 2018, but under certain requirements. At the moment, the lobaut tunnel is no longer listed in the ASFINAG building program, but is still in the Federal Roads Act. The current cost estimate for the construction of the praise tunnel amounts to around 2.4 billion euros.

The implementation of these large traffic projects, both the S1 and the Lobautunnel, requires a thorough strategic examination, which is in accordance with the EU's 2001/42/EC Directive. This comprehensive examination includes the investigation of significant environmental impacts and the participation of the public in order to adequately address the numerous challenges and potential concerns.

While the discussions about the traffic planning in Austria are continuing, it is already clear that the developments of the coming months will be decisive for future mobility and quality of life in the Eastern region. The construction of the S1 and the Lobautunnel offer both opportunities and challenges that have to be carefully weighed.

For more information on the strategic examination in the traffic sector, please visit the page of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure.

Also read the complete reporting on the current developments on the pages of Noe.gv.at and Today.at.