Construction work on the western route: ÖBB plans punctual restarting

Construction work on the western route: ÖBB plans punctual restarting

Tullnerfeld, Österreich - Am Tullnerfeld is currently being worked intensively. Heavy railway construction machines, excavators and cranes are active on and next to the rails to drive the extensive construction work on the western route. This route is considered the main traffic artery in the Austrian rail network and has been closed to final repair work by June 5, 2025 since May 12. Judith Engel, director of ÖBB-Infrastructure AG, emphasizes that the work will run as planned and will soon be completed. From June 6th, the Railjet trains are to drive again on the new western route between Vienna and St. Pölten, which will finally come to an end. Lok Report reports that the western route is the largest construction site in Lower Austria.

The cause of these comprehensive construction work goes back to the devastating flood in autumn 2024, which caused considerable damage to the rail infrastructures. However, the ÖBB took measures at the record speed and put the main artery back into operation shortly before Christmas 2024. In the past few weeks, however, the route has been closed again in order to carry out the necessary maintenance and repair work, which particularly affects the Lainzer and Atzenbrugger tunnel. During this time, several hundred employees have worked hand in hand in the inside of ÖBB and partner companies to bring the route up to date.

flood protection and modernizations

A central concern of the current measures is to improve flood protection. The new western route is equipped with a special flood protection upgrade in order to be better prepared for extreme weather events. This includes the installation of mobile flood protection systems in the Atzenbrugger tunnel as well as the sealing of cable enclosures and the renewal of security systems. There were also comprehensive work at Tullnerfeld train station so that it is better protected against floods. Among other things, the building services were higher and the platforms were extended to an impressive 420 meters. Press ÖBB explains that over 1,000 distributability for better accessibility is published in higher positions were.

In addition, important safety -related elements were also modernized as part of the construction work in the Lainz tunnel; Among other things, the tunnel radio system was expanded. These comprehensive work is necessary to make the infrastructure of the rail system more resilient for the future. An internal team from the ÖBB also takes care of the long -term resilience of the rail infrastructure against natural hazards.

transport offers during the lock

Of course, the lock also brings some restrictions on the timetable. For long-distance and local travelers, this means that alternative transport offers are provided during the lock. In this context, ÖBB has put together an extensive and reliable replacement transport offer. For long -distance transport, the detour is redirected via the old western route, which leads to an extension of the travel time by about 30 minutes. There are also new regulations in local transport west of Vienna and within the city of Vienna. Among other things, there are no direct connections from the Graz Hbf to Vienna Airport and train failures and timetable changes are also to be expected. ZEIT ONLINE mentioned that the federal government also fights with considerable flood damage in many other countries, which also illustrates the situation in Austria.

With every day that moves closer to the restart of the western route, hopes for a return to normality are also increasing. In the final work in the coming days, there are intensive tests and final preparations on the agenda, so that travelers can soon enjoy a smooth rail operating.