St. Pölten after flooding: Celebrate the reconstruction and cycle path approval!

St. Pölten after flooding: Celebrate the reconstruction and cycle path approval!

A year after the devastating flood disaster in St. Pölten, which was proclaimed on September 15, 2024, the clean -up work is in full swing. Heavy rains led to massive damage, including fractures on the Traisendamm and overflowing retention basins. Thousands of people had to be evacuated, and the city recorded around 2,500 damage cases, which is more than 10% of the damage all over Lower Austria. The total loss amount amounts to around 64.3 million euros, of which around 2 million euros were spent on the flood protection systems in the Traisen Water Association, with 500,000 euros in St. Pölten, as reported [5min].

It is particularly gratifying that the Traisental cycle path has been continuously passable since June 10, 2025. This route extends from Türnitz to Traismauer, although some sections, especially at Herzogenburg, still have to be paved. Despite the flood damage, the number of cyclists in 2024 near the government district recorded an increase, with 260,000 cycling. This shows that bicycle traffic is also very popular in heavier times, especially since there was even 13 percent growth than the route was not affected. According to [NÖN], it is also planned to optimize the tourist offer along this north-south route.

reconstruction and renovation

The city administration has already started numerous initiatives to fix the damage and improve the infrastructure. At the moment, 20 projects for renovation and flood protection are active. The city has launched a task force that developed security plans in cooperation with external planners. These measures are not only aimed at restoring the original state, but also to minimize future dangers, as the website of the [BMI] explains.

There is special attention on the Goassweig (L113) between the cattle bean and Oberradlberg, which remains closed until the end of 2025. The local council has decided to accelerate the renovation of this important traffic route. The pedestrian jetty via the worksbach will also be repaired in the summer of 2025 to get the residents and cyclists safely to the destination.

future protective measures

Restoration and future protective measures are closely related to comprehensive disaster protection strategies. Prevention plays an important role in reducing the probability of occurrence and the consequences of similar events. The Federal Ministry of the Interior has established effective disaster management with risk analyzes and emergency plans. For this purpose, weather warnings are also made available via the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics, which means that the population can be alerted in good time.

The reconstruction in St. Pölten impressively shows that despite heavy setbacks, the sense of community and the will to make the city again a place worth living are strong. The focus on sustainability and improved security measures should ensure that the city has also grown future challenges.