The modernization work on the Tauern railway line is in full swing. Despite major technical challenges caused by the collapse of a vaulted section at the north portal in December, the work is back on schedule for the reopening in July. The next phase of construction work in the Gastein Valley begins on March 3rd with extensive station and route modernizations.

In addition to the renovation of the Tauern Tunnel, the Tauern North Ramp between the Schwarzach-St. Veit and Bad Gastein stations will now also be completely modernized by the beginning of July and prepared for the requirements of future rail traffic. The Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein stations will in future act as calling cards for the tourist resorts in order to give locals and guests an appealing impression. At the same time, viaducts, soundproof walls and retaining walls are being renovated along the route and the rail infrastructure is being brought up to date. Synergies from the necessary closure of the Tauern Tunnel are thus being used optimally to offer passengers a reliable and modern rail infrastructure in the future.

State-of-the-art rail infrastructure after a short closure In order to keep the construction work as short as possible in the interests of passengers, work is being carried out at many construction sites in the Gastein Valley at the same time. The railway line between Schwarzach-St. Veit and Bad Gastein will therefore be closed from March 3rd to July 13th, 2025 inclusive. Despite construction work, ÖBB will offer a reliable mobility service in the Gastein Valley during this period. Passengers can switch to a rail replacement service with buses between Schwarzach-St. Veit and Bad Gastein.

Schedule is being adhered to Despite the unforeseen event at the end of 2024, when part of the vault at the north portal of the Tauern Tunnel gave way during the work, the ÖBB and its commissioned construction companies were able to make up for the time lost of around a week thanks to the intensive efforts of all those involved: According to the current status, the Tauern Tunnel and Tauern route will be opened for train traffic on July 14, 2025 as planned. The Tauernbahn car lock will be reopened from July 5, 2025.

Preparation for future, high-level long-distance traffic The Salzburg-Villach Tauern route is, alongside the Brenner axis, the most important Austrian rail link across the Alps and thus a main axis of Alpine transit. The core of the route is the approximately 81-kilometer-long Tauern Railway from Schwarzach im Pongau to Spittal an der Drau in Carinthia. With the commissioning of the Koralm Railway, the implementation of the integrated timetable and the associated expansion of services, the north-south connection is becoming significantly more important in long-distance traffic. Over the next few years, the Tauern route will be prepared step by step for future, high-level long-distance traffic, making travel even more comfortable. The second construction phase is planned for the first half of 2027 (February - July).

(source: ÖBB).