The new Linz Danube Valley Bridge – the first phase of the A26 Westring project – will open to traffic on Friday, following its completion ceremony last month.

From 6:00 PM, drivers will be able to use the new bridge, which connects Linz with the Mühlviertel region and cost €305 million to build. In its early years, only one lane in each direction will be open to traffic.

Spanning more than 300 metres, the fourth river crossing in Linz is unique in that it does not rely on supporting pillars, making it a “true” suspension bridge. Asfinag has described the structure as “one of a kind in this dimension worldwide.” The tunnel system for the on- and off-ramps extends a total of 3.2 kilometres.

The entire Westring project is expected to cost at least €1.2 billion, with the possibility of further cost increases, which state and city politicians have indicated they would accept. The scheme has faced significant opposition, particularly from environmental activists.

The “Initiative Verkehrswende jetzt!” (Transport Transition Now!) had planned a “public walk” on Saturday morning to protest the project. However, the event was prohibited by the State Police Directorate, as confirmed by the initiative on Friday. They are now considering alternative arrangements.