The A23, also known as the Südost Tangente, is considered Austria's busiest road, especially on the Prater Hochstraße section between the Knoten Prater and Handelskai junctions, where approximately 230,000 vehicles pass through daily. Currently, both directions of this route are undergoing renovation works. Major construction activities are underway. In the northbound direction, the emergency lane has been temporarily converted into a traffic lane, and traffic is being diverted.
As a result, an additional so-called "trough lane" is also being used, where oncoming traffic travels in the opposite direction. During morning and afternoon rush hours, and even on weekends, significant congestion and delays of up to an hour are to be expected in both directions. Alternative routes, such as Erdbergstraße–Schlachthausgasse–Stadionbrücke and further on towards Stadionallee, are not recommended, as there are also frequent disruptions on these roads due to ongoing construction around the Stadionbrücke. On-site, a color-coded information system assists in navigation: for example, those wishing to exit at Handelskai should keep to the right. Travelers heading in other directions can use the specially designated separated opposing lane ("trough lane").
For more convenient traffic flow, the ramp at the Prater junction leading towards Handelskai has been temporarily closed for the duration of the works; however, the exit towards the city center remains open. After the winter break from October to March, renovation works will continue between the Knoten Prater and Handelskai junctions, with completion expected by the end of August 2026. According to ASFINAG, there is also an important update: from July 7, 2024, at 10:00 p.m. to July 21, 2024, at 5:00 a.m., the A23 exit towards the Verteilerkreis Favoriten roundabout in the direction of Altmannsdorf will be completely closed around the clock, as the retaining wall at that location will be demolished.
