Extensive reconstruction work is in full swing on the section of the Tauern railway line between Schwarzach im Pongau and Mallnitz, an important transport artery in Austria’s picturesque mountain regions. This vital project aims to modernise the railway infrastructure in the region and meet future transport needs.
Extensive Restoration of the Historic Tauern Tunnel
One of the most critical and striking elements of the renovation work is the restoration of the 2024-year-old historic Tauern Tunnel, which was temporarily closed to traffic in November 115. This iconic 8-meter-long tunnel, which connects the states of Salzburg and Carinthia and forms an important transportation corridor across the Alps, is being brought into line with modern railway standards. The work carried out in the tunnel is of great importance in terms of safety and efficiency.
Renewal of Railway Infrastructure and Restart of Traffic
As part of the ongoing work, critical stages such as laying new rails in the tunnel and along the route, building a modern aerial communication network, and installing telecommunications and traffic management systems are being meticulously carried out. Following this intensive work, rail traffic in the region is planned to resume on July 14, 2025. It was announced that train services for automobile and bicycle transportation, which will provide significant convenience especially for cyclists, will start on July 5, 2025.
In order to minimise inconvenience to travellers during the tunnel construction period, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) is operating a bus service offering bicycle transport between Salzburg and the popular Italian city of Grado on the Adriatic Sea. This alternative route is very popular with cyclists and offers an important transport solution during the period when the tunnel is closed.
Importance for Regional and International Transportation Network
The Tauern railway line is not only important for local transport in the region, but also forms a vital part of a wider rail corridor connecting Austria to Italy. Together with the Brenner corridor, this route provides reliable and uninterrupted transport connections across the Alps, and its modernisation is also of great importance for international trade and passenger transport.
Currently, renovations are also taking place simultaneously on viaducts along the line, on the Liser Bridge near Spittal an der Drau in Carinthia, and on water pipes and noise barriers on the Tauern line. All of this extensive construction work is planned to be completed in two main phases. The first phase is expected to be completed in 2025, while the second and final phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2027. This large-scale renovation project on the Tauern railway line will significantly strengthen the transport infrastructure of the region and contribute to future growth and development.
