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Swinetunnel: A year full of change for Usedom and its future
Wolgast is experiencing changes thanks to the Swinetunnel, new on-call bus services and a specialist retail center. Current developments and challenges.
Swinetunnel: A year full of change for Usedom and its future
The Swine Tunnel has been in operation for exactly two years now and has revolutionized the connection between the island of Usedom and the Polish island of Wolin. Loud Baltic Sea newspaper Over 7 million vehicles have used the new tunnel connection, which replaces the decades-old ferry connection. The tunnel has not only made access to the island easier, but has also affected residents' everyday lives and the local economy.
The tunnel, which has transported between 10,000 and 12,000 vehicles daily since it opened on June 30, 2023, has significantly speeded up the journey to the Polish Baltic Sea coast for German visitors. Previously, you could expect long waiting times for the ferry of up to two hours. This new connection should particularly relieve the 40,000 residents of Świnoujście, as they can now travel more comfortably Northern Courier.
Challenges and change
Despite the many advantages, the Swine Tunnel also brings with it challenges. The city is now faced with space problems and financial burdens. The maintenance costs for the tunnel and the remaining ferries now come into Świnoujście's own coffers, which previously meant an annual burden of over 16 million zloty. However, Kamil Pyclik, a supporter of the project, sees great opportunities: “The tunnel opens up Poland and Europe,” is his positive assessment.
The new infrastructure is also impacting tourism, as the region is seeing an increase in visitor numbers, which were already around two million during the 2023 summer season. Despite this, accommodation pricing remains relatively high, but is moderate compared to other Baltic Sea regions, and many tourists from the Czech Republic are looking for alternatives due to rising costs in Croatia.
Call bus system and new markets
Another exciting project is being added in Wolgast: the construction of a new specialist retail center on Wedeler Straße is taking shape. Retail offerings such as Jysk, a drugstore and a feed store are scheduled to open from September, significantly enhancing the shopping experience in the region. At the same time, the renovation of the existing Jysk market begins.