Why was the western route between Linz and St. Valentin restricted?

A severely damaged signal box had prevented a return to normal operations since Thursday evening; the repair work is expected to be completed on Sunday.

Which trains were particularly affected by the cancellations?

Intercity connections were particularly affected, terminating at St. Valentin or Linz Hauptbahnhof, while Railjet Express, ICE and night trains largely ran on schedule.

From when will train services return to normal?

ÖBB announced that regular train services between St. Valentin and Linz Hauptbahnhof should resume on schedule from Monday, 20 July.

Western route Linz–St. Valentin intact again from Monday

Vienna, 19 July 2026

ÖBB announced on Sunday that train services on the western rail route between Linz and St. Valentin, which have been severely restricted since Thursday evening, should run on schedule again from Monday.

Background: Damage to the signal box

ÖBB have set up a so-called emergency timetable, which remains in effect until midnight on Sunday. "Der seit Donnerstagabend stark eingeschränkte Zugverkehr auf der Westbahnstrecke zwischen Linz und St. Valentin soll am Montag wieder planmäßig verlaufen", the federal railways said in their statement.

The cause of the restrictions was a damaged signal box, which according to ÖBB had initially prevented a return to normal operations. "Wie die ÖBB am Sonntagmittag mitteilten, laufen derzeit die letzten Arbeiten am beschädigten Stellwerk." The broken overhead line is already back in working order. According to the current status, the repairs are expected to be completed by Sunday, 19 July, 23:59.

Western route Linz–St. Valentin: Train services running on schedule again from Monday

Background: Damage to the signal box

Impact on IC and local services

Westbahn and mutual ticket acceptance

Information for travellers

Questions & Answers