Loss for the region

Now it’s final: Wachau “loses” Danube bridge

How much longer can the Danube bridge in Mautern (Lower Austria) hold out? Not much longer, say experts. There is no alternative to demolition.(Bild: Attila Molnar)

"Krone readers already know: the Danube bridge near Mautern in Lower Austria will be completely closed. Although a new bridge is planned, there will be no replacement crossing, as has been promised in recent years, during the works. The state is looking into a ferry service.

The 130-year-old Danube bridge between Mautern and Stein in the district of Krems needs to be renovated, that's a fact. There are no alternatives, if only because of the requirements of the Federal Monuments Office and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The costs for the 98 million euro project must be borne by the state itself. "Although there are multiple hurdles from the federal government, there is zero funding or support," says the office of the responsible Transport Minister Udo Landbauer (FPÖ).