The general refurbishment of the railway bridge in Rieder Swimmingpool Street in the immediate vicinity of the outdoor pool will cost more than 3.5 million euros. ÖBB is financing the majority, with around 200,000 euros coming from the city of Ried.
The construction work will start on Monday and will last at least until the end of 2023, possibly even until June 2024 – the underpass will be completely closed to traffic from Monday until the end of October 2023, the block also applies to pedestrians and cyclists. “Our goal would have been at least a continuous bicycle and pedestrian connection by means of an enclosure in this area, but the ÖBB and the construction company have spoken out against it because it would simply be too dangerous,” said ÖVP city councilor Josef Heissbauer at the municipal council meeting on Thursday evening.
The bridge, under which the Breitsach also flows, needs to be renewed, according to ÖBB. In order to continue to enable train traffic, an auxiliary bridge will be built first, in order to then remove the old bridge and build a new one. There will also be a track closure from November 24th to 28th for the construction of the auxiliary bridge – combined with rail replacement services between Ried and Neumarkt.
There are several hurdles
The total closure under the bridge until the end of October 2023 will also have a significant impact on the next outdoor pool season, especially since the affected swimming pool street is the main feeder for bathers. The annoying detour will take place via Eberschwangerstraße and Wiesensteig. This necessary traffic measure will have a massive impact on the flow of traffic on the busy street.
At another underpass of Eberschwangerstraße there will only be one lane for motorized traffic. “The other must be made available for pedestrians and cyclists, otherwise it would not be possible on this very narrow section. The municipality has no influence here, it is up to the district administration,” said SPÖ traffic councilor Peter, who is responsible for traffic mute.
Source: Nachrichten
