When the B33 in the Wachau Could Be Opened

The day before, a "decisive official inspection with experts and specialists" will take place. Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP) looked forward to a "clear path" for the population and tourism.

B33 Possibly Before Reopening

"After intensive safety and protective measures, we are heading towards an early reopening of the B33 in the Aggsbach-Dorf area," said Landbauer on Friday. The region can breathe a sigh of relief just in time for the apricot blossom. For the population, gastronomy, and businesses, this means a return to normality. The necessary work should be advanced enough by the end of next week "to allow a partial reopening of traffic with traffic-controlled signal regulation, including the opening of the cycle path."

The businesses are perfectly prepared for the "comeback of the southern shore," announced Mikl-Leitner in a press release. The booking situation is already very good. "The booking forecasts also allow us to look positively into the new season, they are above last year's level."

According to the information from Friday, protective measures still need to be finalized. These include the completion of a 90-meter-long rockfall protection net system in the lower area of the rockfall (seven meters above the roadway) and the installation of a 600 square meter rock mesh for slope stabilization. "We are confident that the expert commission will give the green light," said Road Construction Director Josef Decker. The work is being carried out under constant geotechnical supervision.

Renewal of Roadway

Starting from March 24, renovation measures and greening works are to take place in the area of the rockfall. This involves the renewal of the roadway over an area of 2,200 square meters and the replacement of the curbstones and the surface layer over a length of 200 meters. These works are expected to continue until mid-April and, according to current planning, will also require a partial road closure. The final reopening to traffic is planned for April 18.

However, according to Landbauer, it will still take months until all works and protective measures are completed. "Protective structures will be erected north and south of the collapse site. With this, we are implementing preventive measures to ensure road safety in the long term." The implementation of the measures is set to begin in the fall.

Rockfall in Wachau Without Injuries

On June 3 of the previous year, around 6,000 cubic meters of rock with a weight of approximately 12,000 tons fell between the villages of Aggsbach-Dorf and Aggstein. The section of the B33 and the Danube cycle path were closed. There were no injuries.

(APA/Red)

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