Green light for connecting track: ÖBB has to plant trees!

Green light for connecting track: ÖBB has to plant trees!

Meidling, Österreich - After a long back and forth, the green light is now given for the expansion of the connecting railway between Meidling and Penzing. This step comes after several years full of disputes and also judicial disputes. The last days of negotiations took place on June 5 and 6, 2025 before the Federal Administrative Court. ÖBB-Infrastructure AG is optimistic that the construction can be started in September 2025 to increase the attractiveness of this important railway line between Vienna Hütteldorf and Vienna Meidling.

But what exactly does the project bring with it? First of all, the modernization is intended to enable a 15-minute acting of the S80 between Vienna Hütteldorf and Vienna Aspern North. This is not only an improvement for commuters, but will also significantly increase the number of passenger numbers. Forecasts indicate that over 20,000 additional passengers on school could be on the road on this route. New stops on Hietzinger Hauptstraße and on the Stranzenberg Bridge are being built, while the existing stop in Vienna is subjected to a comprehensive modernization.

optimal connections and new possibilities

A central goal of this attracting is to create a powerful west-east connection that is linked to the entire inner-city express rail network. This means that passengers will have access to all five Viennese subway lines quickly and easily in the future, which makes access to the city center considerably easier. In addition, new stops with a total of 400 covered bicycle parking spaces are planned to offer cyclists a convenient connection.

The transfer options on long-distance and regional trains, subway, tram and bus are also expanded, which upgrades the entire public transport offer. Particularly gratifying: After the project has been completed, the six strained level crossings are abandoned in Hietzing, so that there are permanently open, barrier -free crossing. The barriers are currently closed on average 15 to 20 minutes per hour, which can be significantly improved with the new concept.

environmental requirements and tree plantings

An important aspect that needs to be observed are the requirements of the court regarding environmental compatibility. The ÖBB have to plant new trees, not only along the railway line, but also on private ground. Here, too, responsibility is shown and the costs for tree plantings on a private ground are covered up to 1,000 meters from the route. A higher number of trees in the vicinity of the railway line was also required by a judicial requirement, which benefits the balance for the environment.

The attracting line of the connecting railway between Vienna Hütteldorf and Vienna Meidling promises not only an improvement in the traffic infrastructure, but also an environmentally friendly component that benefits everyone. The Viennese can look forward to a more comfortable and faster trip.

For more information about the project and the details of the expansion, you can directly at the 5min href = "https://infrastructure.oebb.at/de/projekt-fuer-oesterreich/bahnstrasse/grossaum-wien/attrivting-bindungsbahn"> ÖBB inform.