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U5 opening in Vienna: four years late due to budget cuts!
The opening of the U5 in Vienna has been delayed by four years, while the expansion to Hernals is planned for 2028. Information about budget consolidation and new routes.
U5 opening in Vienna: four years late due to budget cuts!
A major setback for local transport in Vienna: The opening of the U5 subway line from Karlsplatz to Frankhplatz will be postponed by a whopping four years to 2030. This news isn't exactly music to the ears of commuters and city dwellers hoping for improved connectivity. The delay is a result of necessary budget savings that the City of Vienna is aiming for, primarily in the area of operating costs. This is where savings amounting to 18 to 20 million euros per year come into play, which are important for the city in the current economic situation, as W24 reports.
But the U5 is not the only line affected. The extensions of the U2 to Matzleinsdorfer Platz and the U5 to Hernals also have to put on the brakes. The start of construction for the U5 extension will be pushed back by one year to 2028, while the U2 extension cannot start until 2030. It was clear to the decision-makers: the planned joint management of the U5 and U2 lines on one section would not be implemented. Nevertheless, the first construction phase of the U5 to Frankhplatz remains on schedule and is intended to create the conditions for further expansion, reports Wiener Linien.
Details about the new lines
The connection between the new Frankhplatz U5 station and the existing subway network will play an important role. This station will not only connect the U5, but also enable interchange with lines 43 and 44 as well as the nearby U2 station Schottentor and Rathaus. The U2 will then continue its connection from Karlsplatz towards the south on a new route, as the planners would like, which will also involve a modernization of the U2 main route between Karlsplatz and Rathaus. This modernization includes, among other things, platform screen doors for fully automatic operation.
The U5 will have to overcome some challenges during expansion. The operation of the U2 line during construction work is a central issue, as Wiener Linien makes clear in its report. One risk is possible disruptions that could affect U2 operations, which is why dual use of the Karlsplatz-Rathaus section is viewed as technically challenging.
Outlook for the future
The U5 is scheduled to go into operation from 2030 and is intended not only to accommodate commuters, but also to contribute to the city of Vienna's budget consolidation. The new design of the area around the U5 station also aims to improve the public space. Plans are already being presented in the near future to create an attractive environment for passengers.
The delays in transport expansion raise questions, but the city remains optimistic. The first construction phase of the U5 remains on schedule, and the further steps until completion are being planned meticulously. This means that the Viennese can continue to hope for future improvements in public transport.