Preliminary project S18 approved Important milestone achieved for efficient transport link in Vorarlberg
Ministry of Mobility approves preliminary project – Clearance for next planning step of the connection between A14 and the Swiss A13
The Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) has approved the preliminary project for the Lake Constance expressway S18 after thorough examination. Thereby, an important milestone for one of Vorarlberg's most significant infrastructure projects has been reached. The examination of the preliminary project submitted by ASFINAG was successfully completed on July 15, 2026. The Ministry of Mobility has thus approved the selection variant “CP – Tunnel open method” recommended by ASFINAG for the next planning step.
The connection of the Austrian motorway A14 with the Swiss A13 in the canton of St. Gallen has been engaging politics, administration, and the population for around 45 years. During this period, numerous variants have been examined, and citizens have been extensively involved in the planning. The goal was and is to create an efficient transport link that meets the mobility needs of the region and simultaneously considers the special spatial and ecological conditions to the best extent possible.
Mobility Minister Peter Hanke: “The Lake Constance expressway S18 is an infrastructure project of great regional and international significance. With the approval of the preliminary project, an important step for the future of mobility in Vorarlberg has been taken. After the lengthy process of the past years, from our perspective, it is crucial that there is now clarity regarding the next steps in this important project. We are now establishing the foundation so that planning can continue swiftly.”
Governor Markus Wallner confirms: “This is very good news for Vorarlberg. For about 45 years, we have been dealing with the question of how we can solve the connection between A14 and the Swiss A13 in a traffic-friendly and sustainable manner. That the preliminary project is now approved finally brings the planning a step forward again. An efficient link is of great importance for our economic location and for relieving Lustenau and the entire Lower Rhine valley on both sides of the border. Now, efforts should be made to quickly advance the next steps – to create a connection that serves the country and the people.”
ASFINAG prepares next steps – UVP submission planned for 2028
The variant “CP – Tunnel open method” runs from the Dornbirn West junction on the A14 to the Swiss national border at Höchst and covers approximately 8.2 kilometres. The route initially partly uses the existing L204 and then leads parallel to the outskirts of Lustenau to the north. Afterwards, it follows alongside the Swiss Ried to the Rhine crossing and further to the national border, where the connection to the Swiss motorway A13 occurs. The planned connection points are Lustenau South and Lustenau North, as well as a semi-junction in Höchst. Additionally, adaptations of existing provincial roads are planned.
With the now completed clearance of the preliminary project, the next planning step is initiated. The Ministry of Transport and ASFINAG aim to carefully and transparently advance the further planning and thereby create the prerequisites for a modern, efficient and forward-looking transport connection between Austria and Switzerland. ASFINAG is already intensively working on the detailed planning of the road construction. From today's perspective, the submission of documents for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure is expected in the year 2028.