Salzburg approves Neutor shared-space zone despite opposition

Salzburg’s city council has approved a shared-space zone between the Neutor and the Red Cross car park, despite continued disagreement over traffic access and the project’s design, ORF reports. The project is expected to cost nearly 13 million euros, and construction could start next year.

The stretch is currently heavily traffic-calmed because of construction work at the Festival Hall. The plan, drawn up by a Slovenian architecture firm, would keep through-traffic out while giving pedestrians and cyclists more space.

The SPÖ and Greens say the project would reshape the city centre, improve public space and raise residents’ quality of life. The Greens also point to a dialogue they held with local residents. The KPÖ backed the plan, giving the three parties enough votes to approve it. KPÖ councillor Nikolaus Kohlberger said it would improve the area for people to spend time in, open up the Almkanal water channel and cool the surroundings.

The FPÖ argued that the project would make the Neutor’s closure to through-traffic permanent. “We need this Neutor,” said FPÖ councillor Paul Dürnberger. The ÖVP also voted against the plan, raising concerns about the proposed paving. Councillor Jurica Mustac said the surface might not withstand the daily passage of 700 buses, each weighing 28 tonnes.

A Technical University report estimates the paving would last 14 years under heavy use. By comparison, ordinary asphalt lasts about 20 years, while concrete lasts considerably longer. Despite the concerns, the council has approved the project, and debate over traffic routes in Salzburg’s city centre is expected to continue.