ÖBB pushes ahead with overhaul of northern railway

ÖBB has submitted al the necessary documents for the environmental impact assessment of the upgrade works along the northern leg of the so-called northern railway, the company announced on Wednesday.

The overhaul of the northern railway between the outskirts of Vienna and the town of Bernhardsthal on the border with the Czech Republic is split up into two parts: Work on a southern section from Vienna Suessenbrunn to Gänserndorf and a northern section between Gänserndorf and Bernhardsthal.

Work on the southern section kicked off in January, the start of the upgrade effort along the northern section is tentatively scheduled for 2025.

The tracks, overheadlines and safety systems will be renewed as part of the overhaul. On top of that, all level crossings will be eliminated in favour of underpasses or overpasses. The efforts should facilitate higher speeds and better capacity utilisation.

Additionally, the stations along the route will receive a makeover. Accessibility will be improved and the so-called Park&Ride and Bike&Ride offerings will be expanded.

Further reading:

• ÖBB earmarks 1 billion euros for investment in renewable energy for traction power
• ÖBB sets expansion plans for Phyrn line in motion
• ÖBB and city council announce 2,4-billion-euro overhaul of Vienna lightrail system
• ÖBB splashes 600 million euros on 41 new Stadler double deckers
• ÖBB: massive investments throughout Austria