Completion of final segment for B178 project - Final stage of B 178 project nearly finished
Streamlined Travel to the Germany-Poland-Czech Republic Tripoint with Completed B 178 Section
The final section of the B 178 federal highway, linking Oderwitz and Mittelherwigsdorf, has been completed. The six-kilometer stretch, which cost 57.4 million euros, was inaugurated at a citizen's festival, officially opening the road for motorized traffic from Monday onwards. This development will shorten travel times and improve lives for residents in the region.
The B 178 serves as a vital artery of Upper Lusatia, aiding efficient travel between key towns like Löbau, Bautzen, and Görlitz. The new section will alleviate local communities from through traffic, ultimately strengthening cross-border cooperation and bolstering economic development.
"The B 178 is crucial for economic growth, good neighborliness, and creating an attractive region," stated Michael Kretschmer, Minister President of CDU.
The long construction history of the B 178 is a testament to the need for faster planning and approval procedures in Germany. Even Zittau's independent mayor, Thomas Zenker, recalled that the highway was once dubbed a "century-long construction site."
To expedite road construction, Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Transport, committed to accelerating the process. "The new federal government will focus on maintaining and upgrading existing roads, as well as expanding critical axes, like the B 178," Hirte said.
Since 1999, approximately 242 million euros have been invested in the construction of the Saxon federal highway. The opening of the route, however, is not yet complete, as planning approval procedures are still underway for the 5.8-kilometer stretch with a connection to the A4, estimated to cost around 120 million euros.
This infrastructure improvement is expected to have a significant impact on travel times to the tripoint, while fostering economic growth and promoting industrial cooperation between Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. The development of commercial zones, such as Löbau-West II, will further support the region's economic expansion, offering a suitable environment for companies in the traditional manufacturing sector.
The community policy should incorporate measures to facilitate partnerships between local businesses and industries along the B 178, to maximize the economic benefits of the newly completed section.
The employment policy, specifically in the finance, transportation, and automotive sectors, could be bolstered by the infrastructure improvements on the B 178, creating opportunities for employment growth in the region and fostering cross-border cooperation with Poland and the Czech Republic.
