ÖBB Tauern Tunnel: Massive renovation affects local and long-distance traffic

ÖBB Tauern Tunnel: Massive renovation affects local and long-distance traffic

A comprehensive renovation is imminent: the 115-year-old ÖBB Tauern Tunnel, which stretches between Böckstein in Salzburg and Mallnitz in Carinthia, is undergoing. This important measure, which is scheduled to last until July 13, 2025, has a significant impact on local and long-distance transport in the region.

The tunnel, which stretches over 8,371 meters, needs urgent repairs, particularly to its inner shell, to counteract recurring water intrusions. In addition, the tunnel portals are being renovated and the safety technology is being modernized. At the same time, work is underway at train stations such as Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein. Larger construction projects on viaducts and noise barriers are also taking place. Particularly noteworthy is the renovation of the Lieser Bridge near Spittal an der Drau.

Preparations for the traffic changes

During construction, freight traffic will be rerouted and night trains will be given alternative routes. A replacement bus service will be set up for travelers and will run every hour between Bischofshofen and Spittal an der Drau from November 18th. It is important to note that the buses do not stop at any intermediate stops.

For winter tourism, the Gastein Valley will remain accessible to train travelers until March 2025, while replacement rail services between Schwarzach im Pongau and Bad Gastein will start from March 3, 2025. In Carinthia there will also be timetable adjustments for local and long-distance transport, while the routes between Spittal and Lienz as well as Spittal and Mallnitz-Obervellach will remain operational.

The effects of the closure are particularly noticeable for commuters who normally use the fast connection via the Tauernschleuse. They will have to expect considerable detours in the future: instead of the eleven-minute train journey, they will have to spend almost three hours on the bus. Mallnitz's mayor Günter Novak speaks of around 70 affected commuters who work in health resorts or in the hospital in Schwarzach and therefore have to resort to organized accommodation.

Forecasts and future developments

The construction work could also have a negative impact on tourism in the region, especially during the high season for cyclists on the Alpe-Adria cycle path. Over 30,000 cyclists have crossed the Tauernschleuse every year in recent years. To alleviate this situation, a bike shuttle will be offered between Mallnitz and Bad Gastein from April 11, 2025, creating a cost-effective way for cyclists to cover the route.

Despite the challenges, Mayor Novak emphasizes that the renovation of the tunnel is necessary. With the opening of the Koralm Tunnel next year, an improved connection to Mallnitz is also expected, which will enable international trains to stop in the region every hour.

Once the current construction work is completed, the car trains are expected to run again from July 5, 2025. Full operation is scheduled to begin on July 14th. However, a second construction phase is already planned, which is expected to be necessary in the first half of 2027 and will entail a further five-month closure of the tunnel. During these five months, the existing connection will again be severely restricted, which could continue to burden the population and the traffic situation in the region.

For a detailed look at the case, see the report on exxpress.at.