Vienna transit works near completion as lines return to normal

Vienna’s summer construction projects are on schedule, with the U3 metro line and numerous tram routes set to return to normal service in stages this month, ORF reported Thursday.

Tram line 31 will resume service between Schottenring and Stammersdorf on August 17. Five days later, lines 5, 12, 37, 38, 40, 41 and 42 will again operate normally across the refurbished intersection at Spitalgasse, Währinger Straße and Nußdorfer Straße. Lines D, 1 and 71 will also return to normal service on new tracks along the Universitätsring.

Line 43 will resume its regular route to Neuwaldegg on August 29. Two days later, the U3 metro line will again run continuously between Ottakring and Simmering. The U4 has operated along its full route since August 3.

According to Wiener Linien, Vienna’s public transport operator, the new track connection will provide greater operational flexibility and help keep services stable, particularly during the ÖBB mainline closure planned for autumn.

Roadworks also progressing

Work on the Floridsdorfer Bridge is advancing. The entrance to the A22 motorway from Vienna’s 20th district was opened on August 8, earlier than originally planned. The remaining restrictions for private vehicle traffic will continue until the end of the school holidays.

From August 18, traffic measures for private vehicles will change at the intersection of Brünner Straße, Lundenburger Gasse and Shuttleworthstraße. Drivers approaching from Brünner Straße will be allowed to continue straight or turn right in both directions. Drivers approaching from Lundenburger Gasse and Shuttleworthstraße will be allowed to turn right only.

Driving along Margaretengürtel is also expected to become easier when the school holidays end. The main carriageways will be fully open again after most work on the U-STRAB under-pavement tramway and repairs to damaged concrete sections are completed. Sealing work on the U-STRAB will continue in Kliebergasse and along the Gürtel’s side carriageways in September.

Vienna’s municipal authorities and Wiener Linien are combining necessary work wherever possible instead of carrying out numerous smaller projects separately. Tracks, switches and other infrastructure can therefore be renewed at the same time, shortening construction periods and limiting disruption for passengers and local residents.