Waiting for the decision: traffic chaos for commuters in Vienna!

Waiting for the decision: traffic chaos for commuters in Vienna!

After over three years of waiting, the Federal Administrative Court (BVWG) still made no decision on the controversial connecting railway between Hütteldorf and Meidling. This now has a massive impact on mobility planning in Vienna. The ÖBB is forced to stop all preparatory measures for the planned construction in September 2025. Mobility city councilor Ulli Sima is disappointed with the delay and describes the current status quo as a setback for the city and commuters. According to wien.gv.at, the BVWG exceeded legal requirements for the decision period of a maximum of six months, which raises questions about the handling of important infrastructure projects.

The Connection between Hütteldorf, Meidling and Aspern includes a distance of five kilometers, of which 800 meters run in high position. Overall, the traffic planners predict around 20,000 additional entrepreneurs and dropouts at three new stops. The planned measures include permanent, barrier-free crossing options, 400 new bicycle parking spaces and the expansion of the Vienna SpeiSing station. New sound insulation is also introduced. A positive UVP notice and nature conservation permits have been available since 2022.

Litigation and residents' complaints

The process that took place between 22 and 29 and 29 continues due to residents' complaints. These concerns focus on the planned high layer of the railway line, the number of trees to be planted and freight traffic. As reported [KURIER.AT] (https://kurier.at/chronik/wien/causa-verbindungsbahn- process marathon- Federal Administrative Court-hietzing-oebb/403004903), the number of new trees was increased from 1,100 to around 1,300. In addition, the positions of the counterparties must be heard in relation to the project.

The ÖBB submitted new documents on biological diversity and nature conservation during the procedure. Although they hope for a decision by summer 2025, there is hardly any scope to realize the originally planned construction start in 2023. The completion of the project was targeted for 2026, but due to the continuing delays, this date could move significantly to the rear, which affects up to thousands of commuters, employees and students along the route.

effects on mobility in Vienna

Such delays not only shed light on the difficulties associated with important infrastructure projects, but also on the challenging framework conditions that exist in traffic development in urban areas. The initiation of more efficient mobility is of crucial importance for Vienna, especially in view of the growing population and the associated traffic loads. The planned 2-line S-Bahn ring would be a significant relief for the commuters and relieve the overloaded transport networks, which is not only of great importance for the city, but also for the environment.

The persistent problems related to the connecting railway illustrate the importance of making timely decisions and involving the citizens in the planning process. Despite positive developments on the part of the city administration and the ÖBB, it remains to be seen when the construction of the urgently needed infrastructure can actually begin. The uncertainty about the course of the project will continue to remain a central topic in Vienna's transport policy.