Rail line through Kanaltal to close for a month

The railway line through the Kanaltal valley will be completely closed from Tarvis from Saturday until September 20 because of major construction work, ORF reported. The closure will significantly affect rail travel between Austria and Italy, with passengers required to transfer to buses in Villach.

The work is being carried out on the line in Carnia. Austrian Federal Railways, or ÖBB, will run replacement buses on the closed section, ending in Villach.

Passengers will be able to take buses from Villach to Gemona and continue by ÖBB train. Bus connections to Trieste will include a direct service from Villach and a station bus serving smaller railway stations, ÖBB spokeswoman Rosanna Zernatto-Peschel said.

Connections between trains and buses are generally guaranteed, but passengers must depart Trieste on time, Zernatto-Peschel said. Travellers are advised to check the electronic timetable or contact mobility offices before setting out.

The popular bicycle trains to the Kanaltal valley will not operate during the closure. Bicycle capacity on buses will be severely limited. About 30 bicycle spaces per bus can be reserved on MICOTRA services, and reservations are mandatory.

Passengers travelling on night trains will face diversions because night services will be rerouted via the Brenner. Night connections will not operate as usual, but replacement buses will run from Villach to destinations in the south.

ÖBB said staff would assist affected passengers at stations, with signs directing travellers in Villach.