The ÖBB rail network was hit hard by the floods in eastern Austria. The western line, the main artery of the domestic rail network, was damaged to an unprecedented extent. Following a comprehensive damage assessment, the gradual return to the usual service has now been determined. Thanks to intensive efforts, it has been possible to stabilize the timetable in the eastern region earlier than planned and thus achieve considerable improvements for commuters in the eastern region.
Gradual restart of the western route by 15 December 2024
The four-track western line was hit hard by heavy rainfall and storms, especially the “new western line” between Vienna and St. Pölten, which is of great importance for passenger and freight transport. Within 5 days, half a year's worth of rain fell in Lower Austria (360 to 400 liters per square meter). The last time there was this amount of precipitation in Austria was before the railroad was built. This is therefore in a range of probability outside the Austrian building standard, which is 100-year rainfall.
From Tullnerfeld to Vienna in just 20 minutes
Thanks to the efforts of the past few days, the “old” western line through the Vienna Woods has been single-track again since September 18. The opening of the second track of the old western line on October 10 and the hourly/half-hourly rail replacement service (23.10) brought further relief
From November 4, the CJX5 line between Vienna Westbahnhof - Hütteldorf - Tullnerfeld will be back in operation. This means that commuters will once again have a fast connection from Tullnerfeld to Vienna in just 20 minutes.
Tullnerfeld station, which was badly affected by the floods, is back in operation.
- 10.10.2024: Transitional timetable for the “old” western line comes into force
- 24.10.2024: Half-hourly/hourly rail replacement service between Hütteldorf and Tullnerfeld
- 04.11.2024: Partial commissioning of Tullnerfeld station and Recommissioning of the “new” western line in the Wienerwald Tunnel and Lainzer Tunnel area: shuttle service Vienna Westbahnhof - Tullnerfeld (CJX5)
- 09.11.2024: Recommissioning of the S80 Vienna Hütteldorf - Vienna Central Station and the S50 line on the section between Vienna Westbahnhof and Unter Purkersdorf. Reopening of the S4 line between Absdorf-Hippersdorf and Tullnerfeld and extension of the S40 line from Tulln to Tullnerfeld
- Resumption of S40 between Tulln - Tullnerfeld, continued rail replacement service with buses Tullnerfeld - Traismauer - St. Pölten main station
- 11.11.2024: The R40 goes back into operation between Vienna Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof and St. Andrä-Wördern
- 15.12.2024: Full commissioning of the “new” western line Vienna - Tullnerfeld - St. Pölten including Atzenbrugger Tunnel, commissioning of S50 Vienna Westbahnhof - Eichgraben-Altlengbach, commissioning of S40 Tullnerfeld - Traismauer - St. Pölten
You can find information for passengers here.
Tullnerfeld station back in partial operation
Even though parts of the station are still closed off, all platforms can be reached via stairs and elevators. The other needs of our passengers are also catered for - as far as the general conditions allow:
- Monitors, loudspeakers, WLAN and the platform displays are available for passenger information.
- There are 2 ticket machines in the passageway.
- A mobile heating unit provides pleasant warmth during waiting times.
- A toilet container for men and women will be set up on the south forecourt. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to provide a disabled toilet.
- Vending machines on the platforms will be available for snacks and drinks.
More capacity created for freight transport
The route between Tulln an der Donau via Tullnerfeld to Herzogenburg has been open to freight traffic since 28 September. This means that, in addition to the trains on the ‘old western route’, additional goods trains can also run on the Danube axis during the day at night. This solution provides up to 85% of the usual capacity for freight transport, instead of the previous 25%. This will ensure the continued security of supply for Austrian and European industry. ÖBB asks for your understanding that, due to the current situation, more goods trains will also be travelling on the above-mentioned routes at night.
Tunnel renovations in full swing - 4-week closure in mid-2025
In a seven-day operation, essential equipment and all safety installations in the Lainzer Tunnel and Hadersdorf junction will be maintained or replaced. The line will then be open to rail traffic again from November 4. The systems will be comprehensively checked and test runs will be carried out in the tunnel.
Once the cleaning work in the Atzenbrugg Tunnel has been completed, numerous technical components in this high-tech tunnel will have to be replaced so that trains can once again travel through at speeds of up to 230 km/h from December 15th. Around 4000 m of illuminated handrails were installed. Other safety systems such as train radio, emergency power supplies, safety technology, ventilation and pumping systems are being repaired to ensure orderly and safe rail operations.
The new western line between Vienna and St. Pölten is expected to be closed for around 4 weeks in mid-2025. Final repair work will be carried out here. Trains will then be rerouted via the “old” western line again.