📋 Tender Overview
More safety and comfort: Two railway crossings will be replaced by railway underpasses
Construction is scheduled to end in autumn 2027
(Wernberg, October 22, 2025) - Safety at railway crossings is the top priority. The common goal of the federal government, the states and the OBB is to gradually reduce the number of railway crossings in Austria where road and rail intersect on the same level. On average, 25 railway crossings are abandoned every year. In the community of Wernberg west of Foderlach train station, a new railway underpass and the closure of two railway crossings will ensure smooth traffic flow and increased safety in the future.
The preparatory work has already begun. Construction for the main work will start in February 2026. When it is completed in autumn 2027, the railway crossings in Duel and Foderlach on the L59 Foderlacher Strasse will be a thing of the past. The project is being implemented by OBB in collaboration with the state of Carinthia. The investment costs amount to around 22 million euros, 50% of which are borne by OBB and the state of Carinthia.
Franz Jank, Regional Manager OBB-Infrastructure AG: The safest railway crossing is the one that doesnt exist. With this in mind, we are looking forward to the project and the possibility of being able to close two railway crossings within two years. This year we are already starting preparatory work, such as temporary construction for supply lines, creating the foundations for four auxiliary bridges, moving the auxiliary bridges to night closures, etc. This ensures that that both railway operations and the main work on the construction of the underpass can be carried out undisturbed and safely. Through planned construction site logistics and traffic management, restrictions on road traffic are kept as low as possible. Because of the new timetable from December 2025 and the ongoing construction site operations from 2026, we request that the railway crossing in Foderlach be avoided as much as possible if possible.
Martin Gruber, LH deputy. and road construction officer for the state of Carinthia: The new underpass on the state road, the associated dismantling of the previous railway crossings and accompanying measures for cyclists and pedestrians are an important step towards greater traffic safety and smoother traffic flow in the area of the railway line. The project is an important investment of millions in the road and rail infrastructure, which is being carried out here by the state and the OBB is made. We wish the employees involved in the project much success and a smooth construction process. At the same time, I would like to thank all road users and residents in advance for their understanding and patience during the construction work.
Doris Liposchek, Mayor of Wernberg: The construction of the underpass will avoid long waiting times in the future and will enable a continuous and unhindered flow of traffic, which has previously caused problems in everyday traffic. The long backlogs and waiting times will soon be a thing of the past. What is particularly pleasing is that the new underpass increases the comfort and, in particular, the safety of all road users thanks to the walkway and cycle path separated from the road. One The communitys long-standing demands are being met with the implementation of this major project. We are pleased about the start of construction on this important infrastructure project in Foderlach and ask the residents for their understanding of the necessary restrictions.
More safety on rail and road
To implement the new underpass, the L 59 state road will pass in front of the existing railway crossing directly north of the railway to the west and will be routed back to the L 59 (towards Faaker See) via an underpass west of the train station. A new roundabout is being built in the south, which, in addition to the state road, also includes the newly built Dueler Street and Dorfplatzstrasse. Level-free crossings with footpaths/cycle paths and roundabouts as well as the elimination of railway crossings improve traffic flow for everyone. This significantly increases safety on the road and rail.
Working while the railway is running
To ensure that train traffic on the Klagenfurt - Villach railway line is possible without restrictions during construction work, work will continue during ongoing operations. With the exception of individual track closures, rail operations will remain uninterrupted. The two railway crossings Duel and Foderlach will remain in operation until the underpass is put into operation.
Minor traffic restrictions
During the main work from February 2026, minor traffic restrictions are to be expected due to carefully planned traffic routing. During the individual construction phases, traffic will be routed via existing roads or temporary diversions. This ensures accessibility for residents at all times. Short-term local adjustments, especially during constructionCuts in the area of Dueler Strasse and the L59 will be announced in good time and kept as short as possible.
The new underpass and roundabout are scheduled to be opened to traffic at the end of June 2027; overall completion will take place by autumn 2027.
Construction measures
Construction of underpass L59 Foderlacher Landesstrasse with footpath and cycle path
New construction Dueler Strasse
Creation of necessary road and path connections
Closing of the Duel and Forderlach railway crossings
Recultivation measures, construction of supporting structures
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