OÖN recently reported exclusively on the cost increases for the Linz Westring, according to which the first construction phase of the A26, including the Danube crossing, will cost 35 million euros more than previously calculated.
Now the calculations for the planned construction of the A7 half connection in Dornach-Auhof are not holding up either. It was originally calculated in 2018 – the year of the financing agreement, according to which the half-connection is paid for equally by the city of Linz, the state of Upper Austria and Asfinag – with 16.2 million euros (including sales tax 19.5 million euros).
But now the costs have increased to 26.7 million euros (including VAT 32 million euros), Asfinag informs the Linz magistrate: plus 64.8 percent.
The costs for each of the three financing partners increase from 5.4 million to 8.9 million (including VAT to 10.7 million) euros. In order to approve the additional costs, the city of Linz needs a budget resolution from the municipal council. Next Tuesday, the cause is to be dealt with in the transport committee and finally approved by the city parliament a week later.
“This increase in costs is very regrettable,” says Linz Deputy Mayor Martin Hajart (VP), who is responsible for the transport agenda. But inflation is currently everywhere due to the geopolitical situation. “There is no alternative to assuming the costs,” emphasizes Hajart.
“Relieve Residents”
Because the realization of an additional junction of the Mühlkreis autobahn in the Auhof area to reduce traffic and congestion on Altenberger Straße is an important project for the further development of the Linz university location. Deputy Mayor Hajart says work is in progress on further traffic calming measures for the resident population in Dornach.
In the official information, inflation is not the only reason given for the increase in costs. There is also talk of “more complex design of water protection systems” and “increased costs for planning and project management”.
The planned half-connection provides for an ascent only in the direction of Linz and a descent only in the direction of Mühlviertel. It should also relieve the A7 junctions Dornach and Treffling. (jp/staro)
Source: Nachrichten
