Tauern tunnel is: larger traffic impairments for commuters

Von WOM

One of the most important connections between Germany and Austria faces a drastic change. The Tauern tunnel, which represents a central part of the Salzburg-Villach railway line through the Austrian Alps, is closed for extensive renovation work. For this influential tunnel, which opened 113 years ago, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) announced that the closure begins in November 2024 and will take until July 2025.

The closure of the Tauern tunnel will have a serious impact on travel. Not only the entire tunnel passage is discontinued, but also several train stations along the route - including Bad Gastein and Dorfgastein - are modernized. In addition, bridges, viaducts and noise protection systems are renewed, which will lead to comprehensive diversions in rail transport.

Significant travel time extensions

The ÖBB justifies the need for closure with the extensive need for renovation. The passengers are advised to adjust to extended travel times. During the closure, many passenger trains are replaced by buses, which means that commuters who normally use the Biltels Tauernbahn, instead of the usual eleven minutes, have to travel on the road for about three hours. This applies in particular to the route between Mallnitz and Böckstein.

A significant challenge of this closure also affects the Mölltal region, where many commuters work in health services or in a nearby hospital. Mayor Günter Novak reports that accommodation was provided for affected people so that they do not have to commute every day. Some commuters work temporarily from home, while other temporary jobs have found in Carinthia.

measures for cyclists and tourists

The upcoming closure of the Tauern tunnel poses a major challenge for both operators and passengers. The ÖBB tries to keep the inconveniences as low as possible during the eight -month construction phase in order to ensure travel traffic in this important connection. Despite the measures that are already taken, it remains to be seen how the situation is concretely implemented and what other solutions are announced in order to increase customer orientation. In-depth information on the planning is on www.transportochlogistik.se available at any time.