Citizen information on 3rd/4th April – new two-way cycle path – wider sidewalks – traffic calming – 19 new trees and 800 m2 more green space in the first section
Vienna (OTS) – Last autumn, the results of the citizen survey and an initial concept were presented to awaken the almost two-kilometer-long Outer Mariahilfer Straße from its “sleeping beauty” and make it climate-friendly. Now the specific details for the redesign of the 1st construction phase, which will begin in the summer, between the Belt and Clementinengasse are presented: In the future, the “Äußere Mahü” will be a one-way street leading out of the city, will have a two-way cycle path and up to 5 meter wide sidewalks with integrated greenery elements, 19 new trees in the first section alone, lots of new green space, seating and cooling elements. It is also clear that public transport must not be slowed down and so the trams retain their own tracks. The city is combining the construction work with necessary renovation work on the water pipes, and the Grätzl is also being reconnected to the district heating and cooling. It starts this summer; completion of the first section is planned for summer 2025.
“The redesign of Outer Mariahilfer Strasse has been talked about for years. We are now realizing a really big project and implementing the wishes of the residents!” explains planning councilor Ulli Sima. “We are pursuing a holistic, climate-friendly approach here: new, safe and comfortable infrastructure for active and climate-friendly mobility by bike and on foot, infrastructure for the heat transition, more greenery and cooling, less asphalt. We approached this project with high quality standards and we are now implementing them,” says Sima, who thanks the district, the coalition partner NEOS and the specialist departments for the good cooperation. In order to inform residents and local businesses in detail about the future-oriented project, information events will be held at the district council on April 3rd and 4th.
A strolling and feel-good mile is created
And this is what the redesign looks like: In the first construction phase from 2024 to 2025, Outer Mariahilfer Strasse will be completely redesigned from the Gurtel to Clementinengasse. The road is one-way out of town. This creates more space for active mobility such as cycling and walking. A structurally separated, 3.5 meter wide two-way cycle path will ensure comfortable and safe conditions for cyclists in the first section over 600 meters.
Significantly widened sidewalks with integrated green elements encourage strolling. Following the example of Thaliastrasse, the rigid separation of road and walking areas is also being broken down on Outer Mariahilfer Strasse by bringing the level closer. A curb that is only 3 to 5 centimeters high separates the roadway out of town from the sidewalks or parking bays. The sidewalks themselves are mostly preferred. This results in a sidewalk width of up to 5 meters and plenty of space for new lounge areas and micro-open spaces.
19 new trees will be planted in the first section alone and will complement the 31 trees there, several standard shrubs and many green oases will be created – a total of more than 800 square meters of additional green space will be created in this section. 16 seating areas invite you to linger, 5 mist steles and 3 floor nozzles ensure cooling in the hot months. At least 50 new bicycle parking spaces will be provided in the first phase. The one-way route will significantly reduce traffic in the neighborhood around Clementinengasse in the future – after the first construction phase has been completed.
“The results of citizen participation have clearly shown the desire for a climate-friendly and climate-resilient design of Outer Mariahilfer Straße. Now it is being completely rethought so that in the future it can fully exploit its potential as a lively shopping street and promenade with numerous meeting places: With wider sidewalks, pleasant green and lounge areas, and a wide two-way cycle path, it will soon help make our city even more livable and climate-friendly,” says NEOS Vienna mobility spokeswoman Angelika Pipal-Leixner.
More quality of stay in Palmgasse
It’s not just Mariahilfer Straße itself that will be redesigned: in the future there will be a traffic-calmed area on Palmgasse between Mariahilfer Straße and Robert-Hamerling-Gasse. It should be built at the same level with paving stones. The passage for cyclists remains. In the future, consumption-free seating will invite people to linger outdoors. New green beds and two new trees help to improve the microclimate. A drinking hydrant and a water feature with floor-level spray nozzles provide the necessary cooling during the hot summer months.
Reallocation of street space – more space for pedestrians and cyclists
The reallocation of the street space on Outer Mariahilfer Straße was developed with the help of the renowned Viennese traffic planner Andreas Käfer. “In order to meet the wishes of residents, the requirements of local public transport, those on foot and cyclists, we have to reduce through traffic and still allow access,” says Käfer about the basic considerations. The best solution for this turned out to be a one-way route out of town. This is the only way to distribute road space fairly in the future and make it climate-friendly. Trams 52 and 60, which carry around 20,000 people a day, will retain their own track. “This enables uninterrupted public transport. A must for the climate model city of Vienna. Public transport has priority!” explains Käfer. “The one-way route out of town continues to enable access to the Grätzl on the Westbahnhof side. At the same time, the sidewalks can be widened on the south side, where there are many bottlenecks. The residential areas south of Mariahilfer Straße benefit from traffic calming,” explains Käfer. According to his calculations, this amounts to up to 60 percent less car traffic in the neighboring districts.
Holisticly climate-fit
The city is using synergies and combining the redesign of Outer Mariahilfer Straße with necessary renovation work. All water pipes and the sewer will be replaced here, and new district heating pipes will be laid as an essential prerequisite for the climate-friendly heating transition. “I am really pleased that we are able to use this as an opportunity to make the entire district more attractive and livable for residents, businesses and visitors. Everyone will benefit from the higher quality of stay and traffic calming,” explains district head Baurecht. “Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus is one of the districts with the fewest private vehicles and I am proud that we are creating such an important and high-quality infrastructure for active mobility here in the district,” adds Baurecht. For him, free public transport is also a central concern, as the two tram lines are important feeders to the Westbahnhof in the 15th district.
The construction phases
The implementation will take place – based on the model of the successful redesign of Thaliastrasse – in several sections or stages. Construction for the first construction phase will start this summer and implementation will take place in 2024/2025. From 2026, the area between Clementinengasse and Anschützgasse will follow; after its completion, the implementation of the third section from Anschützgasse to Schlossallee is planned. In addition to Hütteldorfer Straße and Goldschlagstraße, another important two-kilometer cycle axis is being created in the main cycle network to the west of Vienna.
April 3rd and 4th: Exhibition of plans and background information on the redesign
Involving people from the beginning was very important to the city and district in this project. The last citizen survey was carried out in September 2023 – with great participation – directly in the neighborhood around the outer Mariahilfer Straße. The results were already incorporated into the creation of the initial concept. The city and district continue to focus on exchange and information: All information and background information on the climate-friendly redesign of Outer Mariahilfer Straße will be presented to the Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus district council starting today and tomorrow evening. Of course, the involved departments of the City of Vienna and transport and spatial planners are also present. They are available to answer questions from residents and citizens with their expertise.
rk-Fotoservice: www.wien.gv.at/presse/bilder
Questions & Contact:
Sophia Schönecker
Media spokeswoman, city councilor Ulli Sima
Phone: +43 1 4000 82182
Mobile phone: 0676/8118 82182
E-Mail: sophia.schoenecker@wien.gv.at
Mobility Agency Vienna
Georg Brockmeyer
+43 676 811849908
georg.brockmeyer@mobilitaetsagentur.at
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