ÖBB lifts 27-tonne bridge sections into place

ÖBB has lifted the heavy steel sections of a new railway bridge into place on Herrgottwiesgasse in Graz, ORF reported. The railway line closure and replacement bus service will end on August 23, with the bridge scheduled to enter service the following day.

The project is part of the modernisation of railway infrastructure between Graz Central Station and Graz Ostbahnhof. ÖBB is investing around 5 million euros, and the overall construction work is scheduled for completion by the end of October.

The existing bridge, built in 1948, has been dismantled. Construction of its replacement began in February, with the new structure assembled piece by piece. Each component weighs around 27 tonnes and required precise lifting and coordination.

The steel bridge was delivered in nine sections and assembled on site using a longitudinal shifting method. Once the steelwork is complete, it will receive a new ballast track designed to reduce noise emissions and improve comfort during railway operations.

A new cycle bridge is also being built over the Mühlgang. Final work will continue until August 23 during a full closure of the line between Graz Central Station and Gleisdorf.