On November 18, the thaw between Böckstein in Salzburg and Mallnitz in Carinthia starts on the occasion of the extensive modernization of the Tauern tunnel, announced ÖBB, the Austrian Federal Railways. Within a few months, the tunnel will be brought to the state of the art and prepared for the requirements of rail traffic of the future. Last preparations are running - the necessary special machines have already been delivered and are waiting for their use in addition to the tunnel portals.

(Salzburg/Klagenfurt, 06.11.2024) - The heart on the Tauernbahn line, the 8,371 meter long Tauern tunnel, was put into operation in 1909. His last update, in which the tunnel safety and track construction work were in the foreground, received in 2004. Around 20 years later, the tunnel had to be modernized and made more powerful for the future.

Complete lock necessary

The extensive measures with a single -track lock are not possible due to structural conditions. Therefore, a total lock between Mallnitz and Böckstein from November 2024 to July 2025 is necessary for the construction work. In order to finalize the modernization work, a second stage of the measures is required. This is already being planned and focuses on the area of ​​the southern portal. The second construction stage is expected to take place in the first half of 2027.

As usual, ÖBB has announced a well prepared rail replacement traffic between Salzburg and Carinthia to compansate for the closure of the Tauern tunnel and has released extensive alternative routes for the travellers.

source ÖBB.