Renovation Madness on Landstraßer Hauptstraße: Liberals Sound the Alarm
The project proposed by the district government aims to fundamentally redesign Landstraßer Hauptstraße. Separate bicycle paths are to be constructed along the entire route. At the same time, the number of car lanes is to be reduced – from currently sometimes two lanes per direction to only one in the future. About one-third of the street is to be designated as a shared space with a maximum speed limit of 20 km/h.
Additionally, it is planned to lay new district heating pipes along the entire route. According to the project description, the renovation measures would extend over two sections.
Liberals see "no need for an outrageously expensive mega-project"
Christian Ebner, the top candidate of the Liberals in Vienna-Landstraße, criticizes the planned renovation as unnecessary. The current traffic management is functional and offers a good coexistence of cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. According to Ebner, there is "no need" for the "outrageously expensive mega-project," rather it is a "massive waste of taxpayers' money" that will negatively impact residents, business owners, and drivers.
Massive reduction of parking spaces on Landstraßer Hauptstraße feared
The Liberals particularly criticize the handling of parking spaces: According to Ebner, it has not yet been officially determined how many parking spaces will be lost due to the renovation measures. According to estimates by the district office manager, it could be around 100. Whether there are sufficient replacement capacities in nearby parking garages has also not been checked, according to Ebner. The consequence, according to the Liberals, would be a "double rip-off" for district residents with parking permits, who would have to resort to paid garages.
Economic Losses for Trade Also Feared
Ebner also points to possible economic consequences for local trade. According to critics, the renovation of Mariahilfer Straße has already had negative effects on business conditions – similar outcomes are expected for Landstraßer Hauptstraße, according to Ebner. From the perspective of the liberals, pedestrian zones deter car traffic and thus worsen the accessibility of the shopping street.
District Heating as a Point of Criticism: Monopoly and Higher Energy Costs
Another central point of criticism concerns the expansion of district heating as part of the renovation. Ebner accuses the city of Vienna of promoting an inefficient and expensive monopoly with the expansion of district heating. Despite being advertised as a "Get Out of Gas" solution, district heating is still generated from gas. The liberals therefore demand the liberalization of the heating market and the opening of the network to private providers such as the Schwechat refinery. Until then, further expansion should be rejected, as it leads to higher energy prices for citizens, according to Ebner.
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This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.