ÖBB brings Franz-Josefs-Bahn upgrade into final phase
Sunday 16th August 2026 on 16:45 in
Austria
The modernisation of the Franz-Josefs-Bahn railway line is progressing on schedule, ÖBB said, according to ORF. Rail replacement bus services will improve from Monday, with unrestricted train operations expected to resume when schools return.
Work to renew tracks and drainage systems along about seven kilometres is advancing. The installation of cable troughs and a 420-metre noise barrier at St. Andrä-Wördern station is also on schedule. The intensive construction phase between Kritzendorf and St. Andrä-Wördern, both in Tulln district, is therefore entering its final stage.
At the same time, the Johannatunnel on the B14 bypass road in Klosterneuburg was renovated. The road service of the province completely replaced and upgraded its operating, safety and control systems. Modern noise barriers were also built to improve sound protection along the tunnel.
The bypass road reopened to traffic on Saturday. This will allow ÖBB to improve rail replacement bus services. From Monday, S40 trains will serve one additional station, Klosterneuburg-Weidling, giving passengers a direct connection between the replacement buses and S40 trains at Weidling.
The replacement buses will also connect the Weidling and Kierling stations within the town. Until now, this route could only be travelled using regional bus line 400. The reopening of the bypass road is expected to reduce traffic in Klosterneuburg and help buses run more punctually. Passengers can also continue to change from buses to REX trains at Kierling.
The railway line will remain restricted to a single track until September 7, with complete closures at night. REX trains will pass the construction site on one track while work continues on the other. REX4 and REX41 trains will stop at Kierling and St. Andrä-Wördern stations.
During the construction phase, S40 trains will run only between Vienna Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof and Klosterneuburg-Weidling, and again from Tulln an der Donau. R40 services will be suspended completely. Full train operations are scheduled to resume without timetable restrictions when schools return.