Nearly completed the penultimate segment of project B 178 - B 178's Penultimate Segment Successfully Completed
Final Stretch of B 178 Highway Opened in Oberlausitz Region
A significant milestone has been reached in the Oberlausitz region as the final section of the B 178 federal road was recently inaugurated. This completed stretch, connecting Oderwitz and Mittelherwigsdorf, spans approximately six kilometers and marks an essential upgrade for the region's traffic infrastructure.
The B 178 serves as a principal traffic artery for the Oberlausitz region, playing a crucial role in the economic development, cross-border cooperation, and overall regional attractiveness. According to Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU), the new section will alleviate pressure on local communities from through traffic, reduce travel times, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
The construction project, which began in 1999, was once dubbed a "century-long construction site." However, with the latest development, about 242 million euros have been invested in the new construction of the Saxon federal road. Notably, the first part of the bypass road for Zittau was opened in July 2000, leaving only one final section to complete the passage. The current planning approval process for the 5.8-kilometer stretch with a connection to the A4 is underway, with estimated costs of around 120 million euros.
Local authorities have praised the completion as a major development for the region. Görlitz district administrator Stephan Meyer (CDU) viewed the traffic opening as a strong signal for the region's development. He emphasized the need for faster planning and approval procedures to move similar projects forward. Zittau's mayor, Thomas Zenker (independent), also reflected on the history of the federal road.
Christian Hirte, parliamentary state secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport, promised increased speed in road construction, highlighting the government's focus on maintaining, upgrading, and expanding key traffic axes. This focus comes as the investment backlog and maintenance needs in traffic infrastructure are immense in Germany and across Europe.
The successful completion of the B 178 project underscores the importance of well-planned and executed infrastructure projects in promoting economic development, regional cooperation, and supporting the quality of life for residents in Oberlausitz and beyond.
The new stretch of the B 178 highway, connecting Oderwitz and Mittelherwigsdorf, has the potential to significantly influence the region's employment policies, as it can attract various industries such as finance, transportation, and automotive by improving connectivity and reducing travel times.
Moreover, the community policy within the Oberlausitz region might undergo changes as the improved infrastructure could attract more businesses and residents, thus fostering economic growth and development.
