Penultimate section completed for project B178 - Final step approaching for Bill B178's execution
Final Stretch of Federal Highway B178 in Saxony Completed
After nearly a quarter of a century, construction on the B178 federal highway in southeastern Saxony culminated this Sunday with the opening of the penultimate section. This development connects the tri-border region surrounding Zittau to the A4 motorway at Weißenberg.
Zittau city administrators have announced a public festival this weekend, offering an opportunity to test the freshly constructed six-kilometer stretch between Oderwitz and Oberseifersdorf using bicycles or inline skates. Regular traffic will commence on this finalized segment starting Monday.
The Saxon Ministry of Infrastructure estimates the construction costs for this section at approximately €57 million, funded from the Saxony structural change fund. To date, about €242 million has been invested in the new construction of the eastern Saxon federal highway.
The first phase, a bypass for Zittau, was opened in July 2000. The remaining section to make the route fully continuous is still under planning approval procedure, with estimated costs of around €120 million.
Mayor Thomas Zenker of independent Zittau hailed the B178 construction as a "century project," asserting that improved connectivity is vital for economic development and the daily commute of residents, as well as for those traveling from Czechia and Poland. Zenker expressed optimism that the Free State would expedite the completion of the missing northern section.
Improved traffic flow around Zittau and neighboring areas, as well as a self-contained industrial and business area along the B178 corridor at Löbau-West II, are expected to bolster economic growth by enhancing logistics, accessibility, and providing new industrial space.
- The completed portion of the B178 federal highway in Saxony is anticipated to be a catalyst for economic growth within the region, particularly in sectors like industry and employment, given its enhanced logistics and accessibility.
- With the finalized segment of the B178 highway offering a viable commuting route for Zittau's residents and travelers from neighboring countries, the possibility of increased employment opportunities within the public-transit, transportation, and automotive industries arises.
- As the B178 highway construction progresses, developing employment policies to accommodate the influx of commuters and businesses is essential for the successful and sustainable growth of the community, especially in industries that rely on efficient transportation infrastructure like finance.
