Disruptions in Train Services: New West Line Set to Close Again

Following the severe weather disaster in September 2024, the newly constructed West Line between Vienna and St. Pölten, including the Atzenbrugg and Lainzer Tunnels as well as Tullnerfeld Station, will be closed again starting Monday, May 12, for essential repair work and the removal of temporary structures. This closure will last for 25 days, with train services reverting to the old route through the Wienerwald. Consequently, travel times to and from the west will increase by approximately 30 minutes.

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) have announced that there will be significant disruptions in both long-distance and local transport due to this closure, which had already been anticipated earlier in the year. Landeshauptfrau Johanna Mikl-Leitner emphasized the importance of this line, describing it as a vital artery for public transport in the eastern region and asserting that commuters expect reliable alternatives during this period. She highlighted the importance of the advance notice provided to the railways and recalled the understanding shown last autumn regarding train cancellations caused by flooding and the insufficient capacity of replacement services.

Udo Landbauer, the Deputy Governor and Transport Councilor, stated that the closure of the West Line would heavily impact commuters and students. He called for the ÖBB to provide clear and reliable information to help passengers plan their journeys. Landbauer also insisted on punctuality in the construction timetable to ensure that no one is left stranded, stressing that the chaotic disruptions experienced last year should not be allowed to recur.

In the aftermath of the floods, the ÖBB had managed to reopen the Tullnerfeld section on December 15, 2024, after a three-month closure, thanks to extensive efforts that included emptying spare parts warehouses nationwide and implementing temporary solutions while adhering to safety standards. The current repairs will involve dismantling these temporary measures and replacing them with permanent components, particularly in the Atzenbrugg Tunnel, which was severely affected by the floods. Furthermore, mobile flood protection elements will be installed to safeguard the infrastructure and will undergo testing for emergency situations.

The work will also include renewing the substructure and superstructure of the West Line in areas that were undermined near the Perschling River. The Tullnerfeld Station, which suffered significant damage, will be upgraded with enhanced flood protection measures, including raising the technical infrastructure above previous levels.

During the planned 25-day closure, the opportunity will be taken to extend platforms at certain stops and carry out critical maintenance in the Lainzer Tunnel that cannot be performed during regular service. This work includes sealing cable penetrations and updating safety systems, as well as relocating electrical supply components to higher positions along the tunnel walls. Additionally, the Hadersdorf switch hall will undergo significant upgrades, including the replacement of tracks, switches, and other rail components.

Despite the upcoming disruptions, the ÖBB has indicated that the number of long-distance train connections will remain largely unchanged. Railjet services on the West Line will continue to operate directly from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Vienna International Airport. However, direct connections from Graz Hauptbahnhof to the airport will be temporarily suspended. Local train services to the west of Vienna and within the city will be reorganized, and passengers should expect unavoidable limitations due to the rerouting of long-distance and freight traffic onto alternative routes.

Passengers on specific local lines, including S80, S50, CJX5, REX50, REX51, R40, S40, and S4, will experience timetable changes, train cancellations, and some bus replacement services. These replacement services will be marked with a color-coded system for easier navigation. Passengers on the S80 and S50 lines can utilize the services of the Wiener Linien, and ÖBB tickets will be accepted on specific segments of the U-Bahn and tram lines.

For detailed information on altered schedules during the closure from May 12 to June 5, passengers can consult the ÖBB Scotty app and visit their official website.