Linz Westring becomes significantly more expensive again – A26 new build now costs 1.3 billion euros

According to information from circles close to the state government, the 120 million euros represents a renewed adjustment of the previous cost estimate. The specific reasons for the additional cost increase were not initially detailed in the press release. It also remains open to what extent the increase will affect the schedule and the further burden on the state and federal budgets.

Background on the A26

ASFiNAG, as the builder and operator of the motorway, is directly involved in the ongoing project according to the available information. As the project owner, it bears significant parts of the investment and is also responsible for handling the procurement procedures.

Following the renewed cost increase, critical voices came from the city of Linz. Severin Mayr, the city's representative in the political discourse surrounding the Westring, had already spoken out against the construction in the previously planned form and is calling for a fundamental review of the project.

Meanwhile, both the ÖVP and the FPÖ in the state of Upper Austria have repeatedly emphasised their commitment to realising the A26. The figure of 1.3 billion euros now presented is regarded as the new upper limit according to the press release, but those responsible do not categorically rule out further escalation.

According to the state government's presentation, the additional funds are intended, among other things, to cushion rising construction costs, requirements arising from nature conservation, and additional services in tunnel and bridge construction. Regardless, critics expect that the actual final settlement could end up higher still.

Reasons for the cost increase

The background to the new increase is an overall price adjustment in the procurement package, which, according to information from the project's inner circle, affects several subsections simultaneously. This once again shifts the ratio between originally budgeted costs and those now expected.

Experts point out in this context that infrastructure projects of this scale are particularly susceptible to cost increases once tenders are only finalised late. The A26 is not an isolated case here, but rather fits into a series of comparable motorway projects in the Alpine region.

For the coming weeks, Stelzer and Steinkellner announced an update to the schedule as well as a new cost breakdown. Until then, it remains unclear whether the additional 120 million euros will be raised exclusively from the federal road budget, from special state funds, or from mixed financing.

The opposition in Linz announced in the meantime that it would use the renewed increase as an occasion for parliamentary questions in the state parliament. The focus is on the question of the extent to which ASFiNAG had already pointed out risks in earlier project phases.

Reactions from the city of Linz

Overall, it remains to be noted that the A26 between the Waldegg and Bindermichl districts is already visibly progressing in construction sections, but the planned opening date continues to move further back with each round of cost increases.

The latest cost jump increases the pressure on those responsible to finally deliver reliable figures and a reliable completion date. For the citizens of Linz, the project thus means both a higher financial burden and a longer phase of construction sites, noise, and traffic disruptions.