New western railway line: tunnel work for quick trains run in full swing!

New western railway line: tunnel work for quick trains run in full swing!

After the flood disaster, which affected the region in autumn 2022, comprehensive repair work became necessary. The route has been closed since May 12th to June 5, 2023. Judith Engel, head of the ÖBB infrastructure, explained that the work was carried out around the clock in order to keep the lock as short as possible and not to be excessively burdened by passengers.

measures and flood protection

An important aspect of ongoing work is mobile flood protection, which can be built within two hours at a height of 1.5 meters. This protection system was implemented according to the experience of the severe flood, which came to the Atzenbrugger tunnel from the east to the end of 2022. In order to minimize future flood damage, water -sensitive elements are laid higher, and some provisions are converted into definitive facilities.

traffic and relief for commuters

Traffic in the Vienna - St. Pölten section is diverted through the Wienerwald during the lock via the old connection, which leads to a travel time extension of around 30 minutes. However, the passengers have adjusted well to the rail replacement traffic by bus. For further security, an extensive tunnel exercise with 250 helpers took place during the lock.

The total damage for the ÖBB due to the flood damage is estimated at just under 100 million euros. Thanks to efficient work and good preparation, the ÖBB was able to release another connection after a three -month lock on December 15, 2024, and now another step is to be taken to restore the western railway line.

The Federal Ministry is responsible for flood protection, coordinating the tasks in hydraulic engineering and the federal waterway management. This ministry has also tried preventive measures to minimize flood damage, whereby the federal company Viadonau is responsible for the implementation of special flood protection projects in order to continue to ensure the safety of traffic routes in the future.

The development around the Western Railway line and the intensive measures for flood protection illustrate the need for infrastructural adjustments in remote areas to make the traffic routes of resilient people against natural events. In June 2023, ÖBB will release the route again for traffic, which will significantly improve the connection between Vienna and St. Pölten.