Work

Beyond polarisation and simplified storylines: Exploring discursive struggles over a transport infrastructure project in Vienna, Austria

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Major transportation infrastructure projects are often associated with public disputes and polarised debates. However, by using the example of a controversial infrastructure project in Vienna (the “Lobau highway”), we show that a binary “pro-versus-con” framing does not do justice to the complex realities of such debates. Based on a Q methodological analysis, we reveal four distinct perspectives, which reflect a broad spectrum of “generally pro” and “generally against” positions: (i) More roads, more traffic , (ii) Less politics, more facts , (iii) Better roads, better city , and (iv) The highway must be built . While our analysis points at unexpected overlaps between perspectives and some entry points for consensus building, it also highlights disagreement on fundamental beliefs such as the impact of roads on the environment, the phenomenon of induced traffic, or the right to drive a car. Against this background, we discuss the wider socio-political context of the analysed debate, reflect on the basic premise of consensus building, and derive policy implications.

Source: Case Studies on Transport Policy

DOI: 10.1016/j.cstp.2024.101293

Authors: Peter Obersteiner, Katharina Trimmel, Thomas Brudermann, Michael Kriechbaum

Institutions: University of Graz, Graz University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Transportation Planning and Optimization

Subfield: Transportation

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,950