Thaliastrasse in Ottakring: 28 million for the new climate boulevard!

Thaliastrasse in Ottakring: 28 million for the new climate boulevard!

The streets in Vienna are changing: Thaliastrasse in Ottakring has been transformed into a 2.8-kilometer climate boulevard. This comprehensive transformation, carried out in three phases, placed the project under the motto “Greener, Cooler, Safer”. In close cooperation with the residents, a citizen participation process was held between April and September 2020, during which the suggestions were presented to the population in November 2020. Implementations began in 2021 and ran until 2023. According to Cosmo The project is one of the city's more extensive “Get out of the asphalt” initiatives.

The focus of this redesign is on the safety of all road users and an improved quality of stay. In addition to optimized lighting, sidewalks were widened to up to six meters and made barrier-free. City councilor Ulli Sima (SPÖ) emphasizes that this redesign will not only significantly improve individual safety, but also the local microclimate through greenery and water elements. Including the new Thaliastrasse, there are 240 trees, 2,800 square meters of green space, 360 seats as well as 41 mist steles and numerous drinking fountains, which provide refreshment, especially on hot summer days.

Sustainable development and climate adaptation

This transformation is part of Vienna's promising strategy for adapting to climate change. According to wien.gv.at The city's goal is to support vulnerable groups of people and ensure quality of life through resilient infrastructure. The “Urban Heat Island Strategy” plays a central role in effectively combating the high temperatures, which primarily affect children, older people and socially isolated people.

The creation of new, green areas and the management of rainwater not only relieves the pressure on the sewer system, but also promotes a cooler urban climate. City planning is designed in such a way that fresh and cold air corridors are preserved and high-quality open and green spaces are created. This strategy is supported by funding programs at EU and national levels to facilitate the implementation of the projects.

Expansion of measures

The concept is now being expanded to other streets in Vienna, including Favoritenstrasse and Outer Mariahilfer Strasse. In addition to Thaliastrasse, other streets are also planned as “cooling points”, which will be equipped with mist showers, drinking fountains and water features to offer citizens a welcome way to cool down on hot days. The entire project on Thaliastraße cost around 28 million euros, of which five million euros came from EU funding.

These measures not only promote the well-being of Viennese people, but also help to actively combat climate change by making the city more livable. With a well-thought-out plan and the support of its citizens, Vienna is showing that climate adaptation is not only necessary, but also possible. The transformation of Thaliastrasse is an important step on this path and a signal for future urban development.