Westbahn Route to Be Closed for 25 Days Starting Monday

Beginning Monday, May 12, the newly renovated Westbahn route from Vienna to St. Pölten, including the Atzenbrugger and Lainzer Tunnels as well as Tullnerfeld Station, will be closed for a duration of 25 days. This closure is necessary for repair work and the removal of temporary structures, following the severe weather disaster of September 2024. During this period, all traffic will revert to the original route through the Wienerwald, resulting in an estimated 30-minute increase in travel time for those commuting to and from the west.

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has indicated that there will be significant disruptions to both long-distance and local transport services during this time. The closure was announced ahead of schedule to allow commuters sufficient time to prepare for the changes. Johanna Mikl-Leitner, the regional governor, emphasized the importance of this route as a vital artery for public transportation in the eastern region and highlighted the expectation for reliable alternatives for daily commuters.

Udo Landbauer, Deputy Governor and Transport Councillor, remarked that the closure would heavily impact commuters and students alike. He called for the ÖBB to provide clear and consistent information about travel options to ensure that travelers can plan their journeys effectively. Landbauer stressed the need for punctual services and adequate replacement transport capacity to prevent a repeat of the chaotic conditions experienced last year.

Following the flooding incidents, the ÖBB had previously managed to reopen the Tullnerfeld route on December 15, 2024, after three months of closure. This reopening was made possible by utilizing depleted spare parts inventories across Austria and implementing temporary solutions while adhering to safety standards. The upcoming work will see these temporary measures dismantled and replaced with new components, particularly in the areas heavily affected by flooding, such as the Atzenbrugg Tunnel. The installation of mobile flood protection elements will also be conducted to safeguard the structure and prepare for any future emergencies.

Additionally, the Tullnerfeld station, which suffered significant damage, will undergo improvements to enhance its flood resilience. This includes elevating technical infrastructure such as cables and distribution systems. The 25-day closure will also be utilized to extend the platforms at this station.

In the Lainzer Tunnel, repairs will address issues arising from the once-in-a-thousand-year flood of the Wien River, which cannot be executed while services are operational. This includes sealing cable penetrations and upgrading safety systems, alongside relocating electrical supply components to higher elevations.

Despite the disruptions, the ÖBB has confirmed that the number of long-distance train services will largely remain unchanged during the closure. Most Railjet trains on the Westbahn will continue to operate between Vienna Central Station and Vienna International Airport. However, direct connections from Graz to the airport will temporarily cease.

In terms of local transport, adjustments will be made to connections both within Vienna and the surrounding areas. The re-routing of long-distance and freight traffic will inevitably lead to some unavoidable restrictions. The ÖBB has committed to providing as many services as possible, although the closure will have substantial repercussions for local transit in the eastern region.

Passengers using lines S80, S50, CJX5, REX50, REX51, R40, S40, and S4 should anticipate timetable changes, cancellations, and the implementation of replacement bus services. These replacement services will be clearly marked for easy identification and will operate along routes connecting Tullnerfeld to St. Pölten and Tullnerfeld to Tulln. Furthermore, ÖBB tickets will be valid for certain segments of Vienna's subway and tram lines.