S-Link survey: old politicians warn of high costs and consequential damage

S-Link survey: old politicians warn of high costs and consequential damage

Less than three weeks before the important citizen survey on the S-Link, which takes place on November 10, several old politicians from Salzburg commented on the traffic project. Gerhard Buchleitner, former Vice Mayor and member of a new committee, urges that not only their experiences from politics count, but also the concerns of the citizens must be taken seriously. "We are here to represent the interests of the population," said Buchleitner at a press date in the city of Salzburg.

The newly formed committee "With responsibility for Salzburg" includes prominent characters such as Heinz Schaden, the former mayor, as well as Josef Dechant, Erich Marx and Margot Hofer. According to Buchleitner, they have clear concerns about the S-Link, which they see as a "prestige project" without adequate consideration of the economic consequences. "The actual costs could endanger the security of the city," he added.

Criticism of costs and consequences

Heinz Schaden, who was initially for the project, changed his opinion. He emphasizes that the city's debt is already problematic without the S-Link. "The money for this nonsense is simply not there," he warned of the high construction and operating costs that the project could bring. Buchleitner points out that the operating costs of the S-link could be underestimated. He bets that the planned construction costs will increase quickly, which could make the project unfinancable.

Erich Marx also criticized too little transparency in the follow -up costs. "Maintenance and repairs were not adequately discussed," he said. Historians and expert estimates show that the annual costs for maintenance could be up to 50 million euros in institutions such as the S-Link, which would have to be borne by the city and country alone.

Fears of historical old town

particularly concerned about Margot Hofer about possible damage to listed buildings in the city. "An underground route could endanger the stability of these houses," she said. Two reports have already shown negative effects through the excavation work. An answer to these concerns came from the S-Link project company, which emphasized that the construction technology standards have improved since 1997.

"There are alternatives to the S-Link that are much more economical," says the committee and refers to the Zurich traffic study of 2022. This strategy could already offer significantly improvements with less than 22 million euros for the traffic situation in the city.

"With the expansion of bus lines and a better connection through your own bus traces, existing problems could quickly be solved," adds Buchleitner. The proposal to expand the Messe and Stieglbahn regardless of the S-Link is also received positively.

While the critics of the project make their position clear, there are also supporters of the S-Link on the same day. The project sees this initiative, "for this - future mobility" as the key to a sustainable traffic solution in Salzburg. According to spokesman Leonhard Hartinger, the S-Link is crucial for modern mobility.

summarized can be said that the debate about the S-Link polarizes. On November 10, around 250,000 voters will have the opportunity to coordinate the future of this controversial project, the costs of which are between 1.9 and 2.8 billion euros alone.

• The S-Link connects the Salzburg Central Station with Hallein.
• Around 250,000 citizens will vote on this project on November 10th.
• The estimated total costs for the S-Link are between 1.9 and 2.8 billion euros.

More information and current topics related to the S-Link are www.salzburg24.at to be found.