Vorarlberg

Switzerland is investing eight million euros

It should become easier and easier for cyclists to get around the country(Bild: VLK/ FOTO_SERRA)

The Swiss are investing heavily in the Rhine Valley - and Vorarlberg is also benefiting from this. The focus is on cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.

At the end of 2023, the Swiss parliament approved the fourth national agglomeration program worth 1.6 billion Swiss francs (1.67 billion euros). The "Rhine Valley Agglomeration", consisting of the state of Vorarlberg, the canton of St. Gallen and a total of 23 municipalities on both sides of the Rhine, will receive a financial injection for settlement and landscape development measures until 2028.

Improvements in the border region
The big beneficiary is Vorarlberg, as no less than eight million euros will flow into the Ländle - for transport improvements in the border region. However, anyone thinking of a connection to the Swiss highway network is mistaken.

The focus of the measures is on cycling and pedestrian traffic: a 270-metre-long cycle path link in Lustenau between two districts, which is bisected by the L 203 road leading to the Swiss border, was the first project to be implemented. Others are to follow: The neighboring country is co-financing projects in Höchst, Gaißau, Hohenems as well as in Koblach and Götzis and in Feldkirch.

Foot and cycle bridge
Lustenau's mayor Kurt Fischer (ÖVP) described the construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Rhine in 2025 as a "highlight". Swiss funds are also to flow into parts of the traffic calming measures promised by the state on the L203, which a citizens' initiative is urgently demanding. Provincial Councillor Zadra (Greens) and Provincial Councillor Tittler (ÖVP) were logically delighted with the neighborly funding package.