The Western Railway, Austria’s important transport axis between Salzburg and Vienna, was severely damaged by storms. Especially the route Vienna-St. Pölten is hit, the damage runs into millions. In the krone.tv interview, ÖBB board member Judith Engel explains the status of the repairs and future protection measures.
As a result of the extreme storms of recent months, enormous amounts of water have flooded large parts of tunnels, train stations and railway lines. After the ÖBB pumped out the water, the extent of the damage became clear: electronics, signaling technology and safety systems, including 160 remote-controlled switches and numerous important control systems, were significantly damaged.
Prepared for the future
For the future, ÖBB is planning extensive measures to protect the western railway line against extreme weather. We are currently investigating how the electronics in the more than 250 tunnel systems can be better protected against mud and water. New flood protection measures should also be integrated to protect endangered routes and tunnels across Austria more sustainably.
In response to criticism that the Western Railway was constructed through a flood risk area, Judith Engel points out that planning in the 1990s had already taken into account the scenario of a hundred-year flood. At the time, the route was constructed according to a comprehensive consensus – with the involvement of political representatives, citizens and stakeholders who jointly determined a route through the Tullnerfeld. Nevertheless, Engel continued, the ÖBB would use the current events as an opportunity to strengthen flood protection along the route and make adjustments to the current flood data.
This continues on the western railway line
Until the timetable change on December 15, we are working hard to make the route fully passable again. To achieve this, ÖBB relies on roadworthy temporary solutions that provide a temporary solution until the necessary spare parts are delivered and installed. The final repair of the damaged parts is planned for May and June 2025, during which a temporary closure of the route will be unavoidable.
Source: Krone
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