In Austria, the reconstruction of the Tauern railway line on the section from Schwarzach im Pongau to Mallnitz is actively underway. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

In Austria, the reconstruction of the Tauern railway line on the section from Schwarzach im Pongau to Mallnitz is actively underway
Photo: ÖBB

One of the key elements of the project is the restoration of the 115-year-old Tauern Tunnel, which was closed in November 2024.

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This tunnel, 8,371 meters long, is an important part of the transport corridor through the Alps, connecting the federal states of Salzburg and Carinthia.

Work on the Tauern Line: Tunnel Reconstruction and Railway Infrastructure

It is expected that railway traffic between these regions will be restored on July 14, 2025. Train services for transporting cars and bicycles will begin on July 5, 2025.

Until the tunnel reconstruction is complete, travelers can use a bus shuttle that transports bicycles between Salzburg and the Italian city of Grado, located on the Adriatic Sea coast. This route is popular among cycling tourists, but the tunnel closure has caused some inconvenience.

To successfully complete the reconstruction, work will be carried out over three months, including laying new tracks, installing the overhead contact network, and setting up telecommunication and traffic management systems.

During the work period, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) will provide bus transportation for passengers between Salzburg and Carinthia.

Restoration of Traffic on the Tauern Railway Line in 2025

It is important to note that the Tauern line is not only an essential part of local transport infrastructure, but also a key section of a larger railway corridor connecting Austria to Italy.

This route, along with the Brenner corridor, ensures stable transport links across the Alps. Currently, reconstruction work is also ongoing on the viaducts, the Liser Bridge near the town of Spittal an der Drau (Carinthia), as well as water pipes and noise protection barriers along the Tauern line.

All construction works are carried out in two stages: the first will be completed in 2025, and the second in 2027.

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