Stoisits: Citizens in Burgenland protest against extension of the S31

Citizens in Burgenland protest against extension of the S31, a highway, which shall reduce traffic on the B50, a country road

ORF-Series “Bürgeranwalt“ („Advocate for People“) – Broadcast on October 3rd 2009

The planned extension of the S31, a highway connecting Eisenstadt with Oberpullendorf, is encountering massive resistance in many affected municipalities. Only Schützen, a rural commune, which suffers from increased traffic through the village, has approved the plans, after holding a referendum in 2001. Inhabitants of Schützen argue that according to an expert from ASFINAG, the operating company for all Austrian highways, the planned bypass would reduce traffic in the town center. Opponents of the S31 fear the project will result in environmental damage and reduced quality of life. They also fear that the current extension may be part of a larger extension of the S31 to Neusiedl am See, to connect the southeast highway and east highway, creating a heavily travelled transit route between Eisenstadt and Neusiedl. The opponents have formed a pressure group “Stopp S31” and have asked Austrian Ombudsman Board for support.

Mr. Gogowitsch, constructing manager of the province Burgenland, and Mr. Walcher, representative of ASFINAG, emphasised during the broadcast that nothing more than a local bypass is planned. This road will not only reduce traffic in residential areas of Schützen, but will also facilitate a higher ranking street network. Both the provincial governor and Minister of Infrastructure have already stated that an extension of the S31 to Neusiedl am See is not planned at all and that it would in any event be impossible given that the area through which the extension would run is part of the Neusiedlersee national park. The construction of the S31 was included in federal highway law at the request of Burgenland in 2002 and accordingly the ASFINAG is carrying out the project. Mr. Gogowitsch and Mr. Walcher stated that following a detailed examination of the proposals, a 2- instead of a 4-lane highway has been opted for. Furthermore the project has to pass an environmental impact assessment, to avoid damage to the environment and climate.

Ombudswoman Stoisits pointed out that those who complain about the noise did not anticipate such a huge project, but hoped for a local solution. Citizens became desperate because of the possible connection between Eisenstadt and Neusiedl and fear a transit road through their region. Stoisits stated that the Austrian Ombudsman Board examines the lawfulness of ordinance regarding planning of federal streets. It rules temporarily future street course to secure construction.

Doubts regarding its lawfulness have already been expressed to the Ministry of Infrastructure. Currently Ombudswoman Stoisits is waiting for a statement of the Ministry of Infrastructure. After that further steps will be decided, in particular an appeal against the concrete ordinance in front of the constitutional court. The Austrian Ombudsman Board will observe further developments.