ÖBB-Infrastruktur Launches Wiener Neustadt Central Station Expansion

Wiener Neustadt, Austria – October 26, 2024 – In a significant stride towards modernizing Austria’s rail infrastructure, ÖBB-Infrastruktur (Austrian Federal Railways Infrastructure) has commenced the expansion of Wiener Neustadt Central Station. This ambitious EUR 170 million project, designed to accommodate future transport demands and optimize train traffic along the strategic southern corridor, marks a crucial investment in the region’s connectivity. The expansion will enhance capacity, improve operational efficiency, and reduce travel times, promising substantial benefits for both regional and long-distance rail services. This comprehensive undertaking, slated for completion in 2029, includes the construction of a fourth track, extensive facility modernization, and the implementation of advanced noise reduction measures, ensuring a significant upgrade for commuters and residents alike.

Strategic Importance of Wiener Neustadt

Wiener Neustadt holds a pivotal position in Austria’s railway network, serving as a crucial transport hub south of Vienna. The city is a critical convergence point for six railway lines, making it one of the nation’s most significant timetable nodes. During peak hours, approximately 40 trains stop at the station, underscoring its high traffic volume. The current infrastructure, however, struggles to meet the growing demands of regional and long-distance services. Recognizing this, ÖBB-Infrastruktur is undertaking the expansion to increase the station’s capacity and operational flexibility. This strategic enhancement will improve the flow of rail traffic and provide better connectivity for the surrounding region, reinforcing Wiener Neustadt’s role as a vital transportation center.

Key Project Components and Infrastructure Upgrades

The expansion project encompasses several key infrastructure upgrades designed to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. A major component involves the construction of a fourth track along the northern entrance to the station, between the HTL (Technical College) and Pöckgasse. This addition will significantly increase the station’s capacity, allowing for more efficient train movements and reducing potential delays. Complementing the new track, the project includes the installation of new noise barriers and the construction or adaptation of four rail bridges. A complete rebuild of a road underpass, complete with a dedicated pedestrian walkway, further enhances the infrastructure. The initial phase of the project will focus on building a construction pit support system for the retaining walls, with completion expected by October 2025. These carefully planned elements underscore ÖBB-Infrastruktur’s commitment to comprehensive infrastructure development, designed to support the growing transportation needs of the region.

Impact on Train Operations and Service Enhancements

The Wiener Neustadt Central Station expansion will have a profound impact on train operations and service enhancements. The addition of the fourth track is designed to increase the capacity, enabling more efficient and flexible train movements. Once the expansion is complete, the long-distance services will be rerouted via the Pottendorf Line, which has been fully expanded to two tracks, freeing up capacity on the Southern Railway for more regional trains. Furthermore, the installation of new track switches will create additional options for rerouting trains in the event of disruptions, minimizing operational impacts caused by irregularities. These improvements are essential to accommodating the rising demand for rail services and establishing a more dependable and efficient transport network. By 2030, the aim is to establish a 15-minute interval service for commuters traveling between Vienna and Wiener Neustadt, with journey times of around 30 minutes.

The Broader Context of Southern Line Enhancements

The Wiener Neustadt Central Station expansion is part of ÖBB-Infrastruktur’s broader program to enhance the Southern Line (Südstrecke). This extensive program incorporates over 100 large and small projects, including the modernization of 200 km of railway lines. The construction of 170 km of new tracks, including 80 km of new tunnels and 150 new bridges, is underway. These efforts represent a comprehensive overhaul of the Southern Line, aimed at delivering significant improvements in travel times and infrastructure quality. The project incorporates the expansion of the North Railway Line, the Vienna – Bratislava upgrade, the new Vienna Central Station, the Vienna South Freight Centre, the expansion of the Pottendorf Line, the construction of the Semmering Base Tunnel, eight modernized stations between Bruck and Graz, the upgraded Graz Central Station, and 130 km of the new Koralmbahn which includes the 33 km Koralm tunnel. By 2030, these improvements will reduce the journey time between Vienna and Klagenfurt to 2 hours and 40 minutes, and between Graz and Klagenfurt to 45 minutes.

Conclusion

The expansion of Wiener Neustadt Central Station, spearheaded by ÖBB-Infrastruktur, represents a crucial investment in the future of Austria’s rail infrastructure. The project’s strategic importance stems from the pivotal role Wiener Neustadt plays as a major transport hub, and the planned upgrades are designed to meet the growing demands of both regional and long-distance rail services. The comprehensive scope of the project, which includes the addition of a fourth track, facility modernization, and advanced noise reduction measures, will significantly enhance operational efficiency, increase capacity, and improve the overall quality of life for local residents. This is more than just a local project; it is an integral part of a larger initiative to modernize the entire Southern Line, with ambitions to drastically reduce travel times and enhance connectivity throughout the region. The successful completion of this project, expected by 2029, coupled with the broader enhancements along the Southern Line, will solidify Austria’s position as a leader in sustainable and efficient railway transportation, providing commuters and travelers with more comfortable and convenient journeys.

Company Information Summary

ÖBB-Infrastruktur: The infrastructure arm of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), responsible for the development, maintenance, and operation of the railway infrastructure in Austria.

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