2023-06-24 07:30:31
Redesign of the 2nd section is complete – 88 new trees, 16 fog steles and additional water features over 1 km – improvements for bicycle traffic
Vienna (OTS) – Summer can come! After the redesign of Thaliastrasse from the Guertel to Feßgasse, which took place in 2021, the second section from Feßgasse to Huttengasse is now also presented as a green climate boulevard. 88 new trees, 16 fog pillars, plenty of seating and sidewalks that have been widened by up to six meters have transformed the popular shopping street in the heart of Ottakring into a cool and pleasant place to be for everyone. Planning councilor Ulli Sima and district manager Franz Prokop got an idea of the completed second construction phase on site.
“Lots of space to stroll, 88 new trees, fog steles and water features to cool off: The second part of the transformation of Thaliastrasse into a climate boulevard is complete and seamlessly follows on from the very successful first section. A hot, gray street has been transformed into a green, well-cooled and inviting promenade for everyone!”, Planning Councilor Ulli Sima is pleased about the successful redesign.
District manager Franz Prokop: “We have received a lot of positive feedback from the Ottakringers about the redesign of the first section. Therefore, as district manager, I am particularly pleased that we were able to extend the climate boulevard Thaliastraße by a good bit this year and that our district will thus be a bit more liveable, also for future generations.”
The microclimate in the densely built-up area has been significantly improved over a length of more than one kilometer thanks to the installation of water features and the large-scale unsealing of 88 trees and numerous beds of perennials. At the same time, road construction measures and additional lighting have increased safety and the quality of stay for all road users and residents. The entire climate boulevard thus stretches from the Gurtel to Huttengasse and has around 180 trees, 37 fog pillars and numerous micro-free spaces on the more than two newly designed kilometers.
Lots of space at eye level
The entire cross-section of Thaliastraße was also designed in the second stage in the same way as in the first construction phase. The rigid separation of the roadway and pedestrian areas was broken up by a level approximation.
A curb only 3 to 5 centimeters high separates the roadway from the sidewalks or parking lanes. The sidewalks themselves were mostly brought up to the existing tram tracks. This results in a pavement width of around six meters and plenty of room for new lounge areas and micro-free spaces.
Better microclimate: More trees, more water
In addition to the new trees and fog steles, two water features and ten drinking fountains in the newly created recreation areas in the second construction phase provide shady refreshment and fun, especially in the hot summer months. The water from all water elements is discharged into large underground infiltration bodies. This relieves the canal system and the trees receive additional irrigation. Numerous new seating furniture invite you to linger in the consumer-free space. A light-colored concrete block paving in three different shades of color allows rainwater to seep away in the micro-free spaces.
Better reachable by bike
The local accessibility of Thaliastraße for cyclists, especially from the parallel bike-friendly Hasnerstraße, has been improved by the possibility of cycling against the one-way in almost all side streets adjacent to Thaliastraße. Only in Wichtelgasse is this not possible due to the cross-section of the street. As in the first construction phase, the shoulder of the track in Thaliastraße was slightly widened and designed without joints, which improves the ride comfort for cyclists. In addition, the already existing offer of bicycle parking facilities was expanded in the entire project area. In addition, traffic safety for all road users was increased by raising the lanes in all cross streets at the junctions with Thaliastraße without traffic lights.
Upgrading of side streets
A big plus for the quality of stay along the climate boulevard is the traffic calming and attractiveness of numerous side streets. For example, Grubergasse, an existing cul-de-sac, was also extensively redesigned as part of the project. The elementary school there was given an attractive forecourt with new tree plantings, play areas, racks for bicycles and scooters, as well as benches and a water feature. The curved course of the road contributes to reducing speed and leads to increased road safety, especially for the schoolchildren. The arrangement of the trees and shrub beds created a green backdrop from the perspective of Thaliastraße, which reduces the number of non-resident road users. The spacious new lounge areas also allow for the installation of sidewalk cafés for the two corner bars on Thaliastrasse.
With enlarged tree grates for the existing trees, two new trees, benches and a water feature, the quality of stay in Weinheimergasse, which also became a dead end in the course of the redesign, will also be upgraded.
With small “pocket parks” the quality of stay in Kreitnergasse, Lambertgasse and Pfenninggeldgasse in the intersection with Thaliastrasse was increased. The three side streets became dead ends and, with new trees, seating in the consumption-free area and water elements, offer both cooling off in the warm season and space to linger.
Safety and comfort for public transport users
The design of the tram line 46 stops, which was optimized as part of the renovation work, provides more space in the waiting areas and more safety for passengers. At the new border stops, passengers board and disembark directly from the sidewalk and no longer have to cross the road. The tram stop was relocated in the Ottakring U3 station area. This enables shorter direct routes to transfer to the U3 and the S45.
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Questions & contact:
Can Guven
Media spokesman StRin Ulli Sima
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