Lobau Tunnel: Probably dangerous for nature and the climate – resistance is growing!

Lobau Tunnel: Probably dangerous for nature and the climate – resistance is growing!

In the last few days, the discussion surrounding the controversial Lobau Tunnel has intensified. The project is criticized not only because of its enormous costs of several billion euros, but also because of its impact on the climate and nature. In ongoing proceedings before the European Court of Justice (ECJ), it is now being examined whether the buildings comply with environmental protection guidelines. So reported MyDistrict, that the Ministry of Transport has already given the green light for the construction of the “Lobau Motorway”, despite massive concerns from environmental experts.

The criticism of the Lobau Tunnel is diverse. Opponents of the project point out that the construction and operation of the tunnel could not only cause greenhouse gas emissions, but also endanger the Lobau's water balance. Such interventions pose serious risks, particularly in a sensitive ecosystem like this, where groundwater flows are crucial for biodiversity. The Austrian Nature Conservation Association has therefore called for the project to be put on hold because there is no need or urgency for it.

Alternatives to the Lobau Tunnel

A new environmental report from the Ministry of Climate Protection Greenpeace published shows better alternatives to the Lobautunnel. These solutions rely heavily on the expansion of public transport, improving cycling infrastructure and targeted parking space management. Such approaches would not only lead to less soil sealing, but would also effectively reduce traffic volumes and thus have positive effects on the climate, nature and the health of the population.

“A Lobau tunnel would simply bring more traffic and therefore even higher greenhouse gas emissions,” said climate and energy expert Jasmin Duregger from Greenpeace, who has been campaigning against the construction of the tunnel for years. The demand is clear: the coming government should delete the project from the Federal Highway Act and instead invest in intelligent traffic solutions and the shift of truck transit traffic to rail.

Criticism of the traffic planning

Experts at the Vienna University of Technology support the view that the construction of train stations, train infrastructure and cycle paths would create more jobs than building new motorways. This argument is being discussed, while at the same time there are fears about the connection between the high-performance roads, such as the Tangente and the S1, which may endanger the integrity of the “Norbert Scheed Forest”.

The upcoming decisions regarding the Lobau Tunnel could have far-reaching effects on nature and traffic in and around Vienna. At a time when climate protection is becoming increasingly urgent, it is important to develop nature-friendly transport concepts that not only reduce land consumption but also promote local public transport. The voices of environmentalists and experts are clear: as currently planned, the Lobau Tunnel is a harmful and irresponsible project.