Austria’s shortest highway has opened in the middle of Klagenfurt

Emergency lane, noise barrier, emergency call box and even notice boards about the vignette requirement: the new A 122 really has everything a real highway needs. The only problem is the length, as the road is only 80 meters long and therefore deserves the distinction of being Austria’s shortest highway.

This extraordinary and nationally unique stretch of highway is located in the middle of Klagenfurt, or rather, directly on the grounds of the state fire academy. “We have recreated the highway in as much detail as possible in order to train our firefighters as best as possible,” says Klaus Tschabuschnig, the experienced head of the Carinthian State Fire Academy.

Realistic accident situations
This measure became necessary because traffic accidents are becoming an increasing challenge for fire brigades. Vehicle technology is becoming increasingly complex, making business operations increasingly complex. Tschabuschnig: “In training we try to confront our firefighters with real accident situations, and it makes a big difference whether you say there is a noise barrier or whether it really is there.”

And how did the initiators come up with the name A 122? “Very simple: the emergency call from the fire brigade is included,” explains the director of the fire school. A pile-up on the A 122 was simulated on Thursday.