Linz A26 project costs rise by nearly 120 million euros

The projected cost of Linz’s A26 road project has risen by 115 million euros to nearly 1.3 billion euros, ORF reports. Higher construction prices, inflation and changes to legal requirements are behind the increase, but project operator Asfinag says construction remains on schedule.

The latest forecast is about 120 million euros above the estimate made in 2023. The project was initially budgeted at around 500 million euros in 2009. New rules could also significantly increase the cost of disposing of excavated material from the Freinberg Tunnel; the relevant regulation is still under review.

Construction on the project’s second section, which includes the Freinberg Tunnel and the underground Waldeggstraße route, began in summer 2026. Tunnel excavation is due to start this year, with blasting expected from November. About four of the A26’s 4.7 kilometres will run underground. The Freinberg Tunnel is scheduled for completion in autumn 2032.

Asfinag project manager Sebastian Stöcklegger said the work was on schedule, and that tunnel excavation was ahead of schedule. Blasting is expected to continue for about a year. A landing stage has been built near the Westring Bridge so excavated material can be transported by ship, avoiding about 100 truck journeys a day, according to Asfinag. Four lanes will remain open on Waldeggstraße during construction.

Upper Austria Governor Thomas Stelzer of the People’s Party and Transport Minister Günther Steinkellner of the Freedom Party support the project, saying it is intended to ease traffic in Linz, save commuters time and improve connections between the city and the Mühlviertel region.

The Greens in Upper Austria are calling for a cap on costs and a renegotiation of the state’s contribution. Party group leader Severin Mayr said the state had failed to set a contractual cost limit, while mobility spokesperson Dagmar Engl said the project was a missed opportunity for climate-friendly transport. The Greens plan to submit a motion to the state parliament.

The project’s final section, including the West Bridge, is planned for 2033 to 2035. Full traffic relief is expected only after the entire project is complete. Protective walls have already been built to limit noise and dust. Opponents of the Westring continue to criticise the loss of nearby natural landscapes and the effects on residents’ quality of life.