Start of construction for new tram line 18: Green traffic in Prater!

Start of construction for new tram line 18: Green traffic in Prater!

Today, on June 2, 2025, the expansion of the popular tram line 18 begins in Vienna. This measure represents an important step towards a sustainable and climate -friendly traffic infrastructure. The new 3.1 kilometer long new line will run between the U3 Schlachhausgasse and the U2 Stadium and is expected to be put into operation from autumn 2026

Line 18 is acted as a direct connection between the 2nd and 3rd district by the Prater. The future route will lead the U2 stadium via Meiereiße and Stadionallee to the U3 Schlachhausgasse and then continue to the U6 Burggasse-Stadthalle. In addition, the expansion of the tram line will enable the creation of seven new stops and create additional switching options.

sustainable development in focus

Ulli Sima, the planning and mobility city councilor, emphasizes the importance of the new connection for improving the connection to urban development areas. As part of the project, over 2 kilometers of new cycle paths and 200 new trees are planted. A 70 meter long green track is set up in the area of ​​the Ernst Happel Stadium, which underlines the climate-friendly orientation of the project.

The expansion of line 18 will also help to improve the transport network utilization, since around six million passengers are to use the line annually. The shift from the car to public transport is expected to save up to 1,300 tons of CO₂ per year. This step is particularly important in view of the increasing urbanization, which, according to the forecasts of the UN, will probably live 70 percent of the world's population in cities until 2050, which significantly influences access to mobility, living space and other living standards.

transport adjustments and diversions

The construction work immediately begins in the area of ​​Meierestrasse, while the work on U3 Schlachhausgasse started from July 2025. During the construction period, there will be traffic adjustments, including closures and diversions. Bus line 77a is also diverted and a new bus concept is communicated before commissioning the extended line 18.

Those responsible must also take into account the interests of future generations in the planning and implementation of such infrastructure projects and pay attention to the fair balance between current and future living conditions. The creation of attractive, sustainable traffic connections such as the extended line 18 is therefore a decisive part of urban development, which must be designed for all population layers in the sense of a sustainable habitat.

For further information on the projects on sustainable urban development in Vienna and the challenges of urban mobility, we refer to the comprehensive analysis and reports of the Presse Vienna and Federal Center for Political Education.