Damaged Overhead Line and Signal Box: Western Line Partially Shut Down Between St. Valentin and Linz

In freight traffic, affected trains are being stopped or – where possible – rerouted over a wide area. The wide-area rerouting is necessary because the bottleneck between St. Valentin and Linz also plays a central role for through-running freight trains. According to ÖBB, several freight services are affected and must switch to alternative routes.

Bottleneck: Only Two of Four Tracks Passable

Currently, only two of the four tracks in the section are passable to a limited extent. The limited availability means that trains can sometimes only be guided through the affected area on a single track, significantly reducing capacity. According to ÖBB, repair work on the overhead line and signal box is underway at full speed.

Intercity trains, however, already terminate in St. Valentin and Linz Hauptbahnhof respectively. Passengers must therefore transfer to other connections or replacement services to continue their journey between the two endpoints. The exact departure times and replacement stops are being communicated via ÖBB channels.

Replacement Service: Buses and Westbahn Step In

Replacement buses are in operation between St. Valentin and Linz Hauptbahnhof, with their numbers increased on Friday. The additional buses are intended to cover shuttle traffic between the two hubs and cushion longer waiting times for travelers. The rail replacement service is part of the established emergency service plan.

Westbahn runs hourly and additionally stops in St. Valentin so that ÖBB passengers can transfer. This provides an alternative travel option on the parallel route. Between St. Valentin and Wels, tickets from ÖBB and Westbahn are mutually recognized, allowing passengers to switch between providers without purchasing an additional ticket.

Uncertain Duration of the Closure

Railjet Express trains continue to operate on the affected line, ensuring at least a limited long-distance service. It is currently still unclear when the line can be fully reopened. According to ÖBB, they are working under high pressure to repair the damage and resume service on the two closed tracks.

ÖBB has therefore set up an emergency service plan that bundles the emergency timetable, rail replacement service, and cooperation with Westbahn. Travelers are asked to check their connection before departure and allow for additional travel time. ÖBB customer service is available for current information.

The cause of the overhead line damage and the damage to the signal box has not yet been conclusively identified. ÖBB also did not provide any specific information regarding the expected duration of the repair work. It is only clear that the restrictions will continue at least beyond the weekend.