ÖBB warns of lethal danger as Westbahn line goes live
Friday 2nd October 2026 on 07:15 in
Austria
Rail power systems on the Styrian Westbahn line will be switched on from Friday, prompting Austria’s ÖBB railway company to warn people to stay away from the tracks. The warning was reported by ORF.
The systems on the line between Lieboch and Köflach are located in the municipalities of Lieboch, Söding-St. Johann, Krottendorf-Gaisfeld, Voitsberg, Bärnbach, Rosental-Kainach and Köflach. Entering railway facilities is strictly prohibited. ÖBB says touching overhead wires or cables hanging down after a fault could be fatal, as could getting close to them with any part of the body or an object.
The line has been closed between Köflach and Lieboch since mid-July for modernisation work, with replacement buses operating. The closure is due to continue through October 10, with train services scheduled to resume on October 11.
A further full closure is expected from January 7 to September 19, 2027.