The first implementations for the completion of the "S1 Vienna Outer Ring Expressway" road project began this week – which promptly triggered initial protests. On Thursday morning, around 150 demonstrators gathered in front of the Ministry of Transport, according to their own statements, including members from Lobau Bleibt! and Fridays For Future.

Wave of Protests Against Initial Measures

Specifically, this involves so-called preparatory construction measures in the open land section from Groß-Enzersdorf to the Süßenbrunn junction, which include the installation of construction containers and six counting stations. The actual route construction will not start until 2027.

A broad alliance had called for the protest: Fridays For Future, Global 2000, Lobau Bleibt!, Greenpeace, System Change, and the SoWi_So alliance. Laila Kriechbaum from Fridays For Future stated: "It is absurd that Transport Minister Hanke is sticking to the project while law and science speak against it." The Solidarity Resistance Alliance against Social Cutbacks demanded: "Lobau instead of Social Cutbacks!"

Vienna Chamber of Commerce: "Finally"

After numerous organizations had already spoken out on Wednesday, there were further reactions on Thursday: "Finally, there is movement in this really important project," said Walter Ruck, President of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce. It is good that the phase of permanent delay is now ending. "The regional ring is an essential lifeline for the economy – not only in but also around Vienna."

The VCÖ sees it differently: The Lobau highway is extremely expensive, causes significant ecological damage, and is not an effective solution to the existing traffic problems. According to VIRUS spokesperson Wolfgang Rehm, a proper start of construction is not expected until next year. Every activity remains illegal despite all reflexive defensive assertions, says the environmental organization.

(APA/Red)

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