Franz-Josefs-Bahn Full Service Returns September 7

AUSTRIA: Full service on the Franz-Josefs-Bahn is scheduled to return on September 7, ending summer timetable restrictions as the intensive Kritzendorf–St. Andrä-Wördern works enter their final stage.

After six weeks of construction, track replacement and drainage works are complete across a 7 km section. Cable-duct installation and construction of a 420-metre noise barrier at St. Andrä-Wördern station are continuing on schedule.

What changes for passengers on September 7?

The temporary operating plan remains in force until 02:00 on September 7. During this period, the line is worked as a single track through the construction area, with additional night closures. REX4 and REX41 trains make extra stops at Klosterneuburg-Kierling and St. Andrä-Wördern, selected REX services call at several other stations, S40 services are split, and R40 trains are suspended. ÖBB’s construction information sets these measures within the July 4–September 7 works period.

The operator’s published S-Bahn information lists the regular S40 route as Wien Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof–Tulln/Tullnerfeld–Herzogenburg–St. Pölten, so the September 7 change restores the through service pattern rather than the temporary split operation.

The additional REX stops introduced for the works are also due to end with the restriction period, returning REX4 and REX41 trains to their regular stopping patterns.

Don’t miss…Rolling Stock Procurement Weekly Review: August 3–9, 2026

Residual works will continue after full service returns

The return of the normal timetable does not mean every construction task will be finished on September 7. ÖBB Infrastructure’s project notice says residual works between Kritzendorf and St. Andrä-Wördern will continue until early October, while the main construction period and associated timetable restrictions end in September.

That distinction is important for passengers: the railway is scheduled to return to unrestricted operation first, with remaining site work continuing without the summer service pattern.

The current works form part of the wider modernisation of the 163 km Franz-Josefs-Bahn, which runs from Vienna through Tulln and the Waldviertel to Gmünd and continues to České Velenice in the Czech Republic.