Urgency is growing: Mauthausen is planning a dual bridge solution for the Danube

Urgency is growing: Mauthausen is planning a dual bridge solution for the Danube

MAUTHAUSEN/PYBURG. The city of Mauthausen is facing major challenges when it comes to building a new Danube bridge. The proposed start of construction has been severely delayed as there are currently objections that are holding up the project. The team responsible for the project has therefore decided to develop an alternative plan, a so-called “Plan B”. This plan calls for replacing the structure of the existing bridge instead of building an entirely new bridge.

Infrastructure State Councilor Günther Steinkellner (FPÖ) recently stated that building a new bridge remains a priority. The new construction will run 700 meters downstream and extend from a junction in Upper Austria across the Danube to a junction in Pyburg and then on to the connection to the B1 in Lower Austria. After the new construction is completed, the old structure of the Danube bridge will be demolished and rebuilt.

The delays and their effects

The original plans were submitted for an environmental impact assessment in July 2022, which was approved in February 2024. However, proceedings have begun at the Federal Administrative Court (BVwG) since April 2024, caused by complaints from project opponents. In July 2024 it was decided that the suspensive effect of the decision from the EIA decision would be lifted. This increases the uncertainty about the further course of the project, which also influences the planning of the alternative plan, as Steinkellner emphasized.

A hearing has already been scheduled for February 2025 to further clarify the situation. Steinkellner made it clear that those responsible are now working “dual”: In addition to the new construction, preparations for replacing the structure of the existing bridge are being undertaken. This is a sensible precaution in case new construction is further delayed.

Tina Christenberger, the project manager for the Bridges and Tunneling Department, noted that the existing bridge, which was built as a temporary solution in 1961, is under heavy strain and is getting closer and closer to the end of its useful life. The impact of traffic, especially heavy goods vehicles, has significantly worsened the condition of the bridge.

To ensure safety, regular inspections and renovations of the existing bridge are carried out. Although a dedicated gritting vehicle has been purchased and a speed limit of 30 km/h has been imposed, the condition of the bridge remains worrying. Christenberger warned that despite all efforts, the day will come when external experts no longer consider bridge operation to be justifiable.

Economic consequences of implementing Plan B

As part of Plan B, the replacement of the supporting structure would probably take place in the summer of 2028, which would involve a total closure of the bridge for around three months. This closure would have a massive impact on traffic: a detour of around 40 kilometers would have to be taken to get from Pyburg to Mauthausen despite the closure. The shortest detour would lead through Linz's already busy road network to the Steyregger Bridge. Other possible routes could lead via the Greiner Bridge and the A1 and B3 to the opposite Danube, which could even mean a detour of up to 75 kilometers.

An examination of the traffic model shows a significant increase in vehicles on the surrounding roads during the construction phase: For example, an increase of around 5,500 vehicles per day is expected on the A7 Danube Bridge, an increase of 6 percent. Up to 11,800 additional vehicles could be added to the B3 Steyregger Bridge every day - that corresponds to an increase of 43 percent. These developments show how important the new construction or reconstruction of the bridge is for the region's transport infrastructure.

Steinkellner remains optimistic that there will be a solution to the bridge project. He and his colleagues agree that future traffic developments will require at least four lanes on two bridges to address the region's traffic problems. Currently, around 22,000 vehicles use the existing bridge every day, and this number will increase to around 28,000 vehicles by 2035, underlining the urgency of renovation or new construction.

For more information about the ongoing developments surrounding the Mauthausen Danube Bridge, see the current reporting at www.tips.at.