Final stages of B178 project nearing completion

Finished pen-to-paper exercises for B178 - Final stages of B178 project nearing completion

News Update: Final Leg of B178 Expressway Nears Completion

The final stretch of the B178 expressway, a federal highway in southeastern Saxony, will soon be inaugurated, connecting Zittau with the A4 motorway at Weißenberg. This milestone is slated for Sunday, following nearly 26 years of construction.

Residents will have the opportunity to test the newly completed segment between Oderwitz and Oberseifersdorf on Sunday, with a public festival allowing cyclists and inline skaters to take a trial run. Regular traffic will resume on this approximately six-kilometer section starting Monday.

The Saxony Ministry of Infrastructure estimates the construction costs of this project, funded by the Structural Change Fund for Saxony, at around 57 million euros. In total, around 242 million euros have been invested in the construction of this east Saxon federal highway. The first phase, the Zittau bypass, was opened in July 2000. The remaining northern section, planning for which is currently underway, has an estimated cost of about 120 million euros.

Independent Mayor of Zittau, Thomas Zenker, referred to the B178 construction as a "century project." He emphasized the importance of better connectivity for economic development and daily commuters, stating that this improved connection is crucial for residents traveling from Czechia, Poland, and other regions into the country.

Additional Notes:

• The development of the Commercial Zone Löbau West II is underway, expected to be completed by mid-2026. This includes the extension of Weststraße, a roundabout for improved connectivity, and enhanced utilities infrastructure. [Source: Unspecified]
• The cost for the new construction of the east Saxon federal highway is substantial, amounting to around €242 million. [Source: Unspecified]

1. The Community Policy and Employment Policy in Saxony should consider the potential economic benefits that the completed B178 expressway could bring to the region, such as improved industry and transportation, attracting more businesses and creating job opportunities within the new Commercial Zone Löbau West II.
2. Finance policies in Saxony are expected to be impacted by the substantial costs associated with the construction of the B178 expressway and the new Commercial Zone Löbau West II, necessitating careful budgeting and funding strategies from government authorities, including drawing from the Structural Change Fund for Saxony.

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