I always shoot raw and post-process, but I am getting a little behind in posting. As I told you, there are more road- and railworks in Vienna than usual this summer. These pictures show Praterstrasse, which has been dismantled for 13 months now. There are at least two other similar major roadworks, where tramlines are being replaced and cycle paths built, and two important sections of the local rail and subway networks are closed for similar work, placing a greater strain on the rest of the network and generally making the inhabitants irritated. I dont know what the tourists make of it all -- I would be tempted to ask for my money back!
The pictures follow my walk along the street. The first two show the continuing desolation:
Looking the other direction from the same spot, we see major house rebuilding going on. The street used to be two lanes each way; but now there is only one lane leading out of town. On that side of the road there is now a bi-directional cycle path, and on this side only in one direction, towards the city. Note the lights high above the street on cables.
A little further up the street (the same tree), we see more desolation and abandoned tools. The good news here is that it looks like another tree will be planted by the entrance to the subway station.
Halfway up the street we can see the improved cycle path on this side. But I think the most exciting change is the replacement of the overthead street lights that were slung from cables by lower and more closely-spaced lighting.
Nearly at the end of the street now, and looking to the left, it appears that one of the streets that feeds it will be closed off. It is not entirely clear what the plan is here, but this street is hard for trucks to negotiate, with parking on both sides.
Turning around, here is a cheap and cheerful (look closely!) panorama, which looks pretty much the same as it has for months. The partially visible clock on the station is now within 2 minutes of the time in my camera! These (invisible) workers had better get a move on if they are to be finished by Christmas.
David