📋 Tender Overview
* 150 measures implemented in 29 days
* New avalanche protection gallery for safe railway operations
* Rail replacement services were very well received
* [Note: Radio OT in the download area]
(Innsbruck/Bregenz, October 31, 2025) - On November 3, the OBB will resume rail operations on the Arlberg route between Otztal and Bludenz as planned. Since October 6th, OBB has implemented a total of 150 individual measures along the approximately 90 kilometer long rail connection in day and night operations. The aim was to increase the infrastructural performance of the route and to bundle necessary maintenance work.
New avalanche protection gallery at the Lochwald
A central project was the construction of a new avalanche protection gallery in the Lochwald area between Wald and Dalaas. The new building, which is around 90 meters long, will protect the railway and infrastructure from natural hazards in high alpine terrain. During the closure period, beam and ceiling elements weighing up to 35 tons were lifted using two telescopic cranes. In addition, the substructure was renovated and a new digital monitoring system was installed that records geotechnical changes in real time.
Further measures around the track
In Tyrol and Vorarlberg, the OBB renewed several track sections. The most modern track construction machines were used. A total of 15,700 tons of gravel were applied, 16,500 sleepers were installed and 21.7 kilometers of new rails were laid. The overhead line system between Dalaas and Hintergasse was modernized. In addition to these major measures, 30 tunnel inspections took place along the entire route. A total of 24 culverts were replaced.
Modernization of Schonwies train station
Work at Schonwies station also progressed quickly: four switches were replaced and the substructure was extensively renovated. A newly built siding enables further construction work on the station site during ongoing operations. The project is expected to be fully completed in 2027.
Emergency drill as preparation for a crisis
On October 25th, ASFINAG and OBB, together with the emergency response organizations from Tyrol and Vorarlberg, carried out a large-scale emergency exercise in the Arlberg road tunnel. Over 400 participants, including emergency services from the fire department, police, rescue and OBB company fire department, as well as extras, rehearsed a realistic scenario. The findings from this exercise flow directly into OBBs emergency management.
Reliable replacement transport
The OBB provided a replacement rail service with color-coded buses during the closure. On particularly busy days, capacities were specifically increased. The OBB would like to thank all passengers for their understanding and patience during the construction period. The modernized Arlberg route will be available again for safe and comfortable train travel from Monday.
