Föderlach railway underpass: Starting signal for more safety and comfort!

Föderlach railway underpass: Starting signal for more safety and comfort!

A pioneering transport project is on the agenda in Wernberg. The ÖBB, the state highway administration and the municipality of Wernberg are preparing the necessary measures for the “Föderlach railway underpass”. Construction is scheduled to begin in around two months at the western end of Föderlach train station. This will be accompanied by the closure of two railway crossings in Duel and Föderlach, which are particularly heavily frequented by pedestrians and cyclists.

This new railway crossing will be built level-free with a structurally separate footpath and cycle path, which should enormously increase the safety of all road users. “The goal is clear: We want to optimize the traffic flow and thus significantly increase safety,” explains regional manager Franz Jank from ÖBB. The completion of the underpass and the closure of the railway crossings are scheduled for autumn 2027.

Important details about the project

The project has an investment volume of around 22 million euros, with both ÖBB and the state of Carinthia each bearing 50% of the costs. Around 150 interested citizens came to an information evening in the Wernberg community center on August 13th to find out more about the planned measures. Mayor Doris Liposchek sees this project as a long-term improvement for local transport and is looking forward to the coming changes.

As part of the construction work, the L 59 state road will also be rerouted in order to relieve pressure on the existing railway crossing. A new roundabout will also be created in the south, connecting various streets. Specific construction measures include:

• Errichtung der Unterführung mit Geh- und Radweg
• Auflassung der Eisenbahnkreuzungen Duel und Föderlach
• Neubau der Dueler Straße
• Herstellung erforderlicher Straßen- und Weganbindungen
• Rekultivierungsmaßnahmen und Stützbauwerke

The construction work will take place while the railway is in operation. Train traffic remains unrestricted, apart from individual track closures. The railway crossings in Duel and Föderlach will continue to be in operation until the underpass is put into operation.

These measures not only increase safety, but also improve the quality of life of residents. The exchange and commitment of citizens and those responsible seem to be very fruitful in this development. So everyone involved has a good hand, and it will be exciting to see how the transport project develops further!