Subway U1: Massive changes & replacement service after fire

Subway U1: Massive changes & replacement service after fire

Due to a fire on the U1 subway line, public transport is severely restricted. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, November 19th, resulting in a massive gridlock between Keplerplatz and Stephansplatz. U1 trains currently only run between Oberlaa and Reumannplatz and from Schwedenplatz to Leopoldau.

The repair work on the track is extensive. In the next few days, 50 meters of track, 25 sleepers, 400 meters of cable trays and several kilometers of cable have to be replaced. Only after this work has been completed is a track measuring car used to check the tracks for millimeter accuracy. It is assumed that continuous operation of the U1 can be resumed on Friday, November 29th.

Replacement measures and diversions

To mitigate the impact of the disruptions, various replacement measures have been taken. Tram line D will be extended to Reumannplatz and will be diverted via Schwedenplatz and Franz-Josefs-Kai to ensure traffic between the U1 stations Schwedenplatz and Reumannplatz. Lines 1 and O can also be used alternatively. In order to meet the demand for night traffic, the 13A will also be reinforced. The U2Z night service does not end at the opera or Karlsplatz as usual, but is extended to Reumannplatz.

Another challenge concerns the U4, whose trains only run at longer intervals until December 17th. This is due to the necessary work on the bridge structure of the Alserbach Bridge, with only every second train traveling to Heiligenstadt. In addition, due to modernization work, the U2 is only available between the Seestadt and Schottentor stations. Traffic between Schottentor and Karlsplatz is not expected to resume until the end of 2024.

Additional Information and Limitations

On the U1, the Kagran station in the direction of Leopoldau will not be stopped until November 28th. Passengers who want to reach this station must change to a train traveling in the opposite direction at Kagraner Platz. This is intended to help travelers stay mobile despite the extensive restrictions and still use relevant connections.

• Die U1 wird verstärkt geführt.
• Zusätzliche Straßenbahnlinie U2Z ist im Einsatz.
• Linien D, 1, 2 und 71 stehen als Alternativen zur Verfügung.

Although the situation is challenging, every effort is being made to restore subway connections as quickly as possible. In view of the various measures and diversions, the transport companies hope for an early improvement and a return to normality in local public transport. Further information and updates on these developments can be found here here.