New Public Transport Connection in Vienna: Tram Line 18 is Being Extended
The tram line 18 will be extended over the Stadionbrücke to the U2 station Stadion, thus creating a new, efficient and climate-friendly TOP public transport connection between the 3rd and 2nd district. From September 2026, the line 18 will run from the stadium to Burggasse-Stadthalle, offering numerous transfer options to the underground and suburban railway. The work will start in early February.
"The 82 m long and 26 m wide Stadionbrücke over the Danube Canal and the A4 will be comprehensively modernised or upgraded by the city of Vienna - Bridge Construction and Foundation Construction for the safety of all road users and the space on the bridge will be newly divided to make room for the tram and cycle path", says Thomas Herzfeld, head of the Bridge Construction and Foundation Construction department. "During the construction phase from February 2025 to June 2026, the bridge will remain open for car traffic, with lanes available in both directions", adds Christian Zant, site coordinator for the city of Vienna.
Space for Tram and Cycle Path in Vienna
The redesign of the road cross-section brings some changes: The tracks of the tram line 18 will be centrally placed in the middle of the road and will also provide space for buses. Drivers will have one lane towards the 2nd and two lanes towards the 3rd district. Cyclists can look forward to a new, 3.8 meter wide and physically separated two-way cycle path, which offers more safety and comfort.
The extension of line 18 not only creates a new climate-friendly connection between the districts. The construction work will also be used to implement measures for traffic calming, de-sealing and greening - around 200 new trees will be planted along the new 3.1 km long tram route.
Structural Reinforcement and New Safety Measures
In order to equip the bridge for the requirements of tram traffic and to guarantee the safety of all road users, structural reinforcement measures are essential. "In order to safely carry the additional loads caused by the tram, the main and cross beams of the bridge will be reinforced and the abutments renewed. A new drainage system will in future ensure improved drainage of rainwater", says Herzfeld.
A new cover plate and a modern horizontal bearing are other important components of the upgrade. In the area of the A4 motorway, special crash barriers are being installed. These serve as protective devices to shield the bridge from potential vehicle collisions.
Traffic Changes in Vienna During the Construction Phase
During the construction phase, which will last from February 2025 to the end of June 2026, two lanes will be available on the Stadium Bridge in the direction of the 3rd district. One lane will be set up in the direction of the 2nd district. Under the Stadium Bridge on the A4 Eastern Motorway, traffic will be maintained in both directions with two lanes during the day, with a narrowing of the lanes.
Lane reductions or isolated closures of the A4 Eastern Motorway will only take place at night. Construction coordinator Zant explains: "In the first few days of the construction site, we ask the road users as always for a little patience. Experience shows that the new situation quickly settles in. We will pay particular attention to good signage and wide-ranging announcements. In coordination with Asfinag, there will also be notices on the A4 and A23."
Cyclists and pedestrians will be guided over the existing downstream pedestrian and cycle path over the Stadium Bridge. The Danube Canal cycle path will be temporarily diverted to the towpath during the construction works in the 3rd district and after the bridge back to the accompanying path. For individual construction works, the cycle path will be guided over the Erdbergstraße and the Gaswerksteg.
(Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.