Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) is currently carrying out modernization work on the historic Franz-Josefs Line between Vienna and Gmünd, with service being suspended in phases starting this month.
The first phase covers the northern section between České Velenice and Sigmundsherberg, and work will subsequently continue on the Sigmundsherberg–Absdorf-Hippersdorf section from April to June 2026. During this period, there will also be restrictions on the Kamptalbahn line between Sigmundsherberg and Krems an der Donau.
ÖBB will provide alternative bus service on all affected sections, and the work will also impose restrictions at some Park&Ride facilities.
To reduce the total duration of the restrictions, ÖBB has decided to concentrate the work into a single timeframe. The work includes reinforcing the railway embankment, modernizing the track bed and superstructure, as well as replacing rails and switches.
Modernization and Digitalization Work
Between Absdorf-Hippersdorf and Limberg-Maissau, approximately 400 contact wire poles will be replaced, and about 21 km of new overhead lines will be installed.
In addition, approximately 3 km of new track will be laid on the Limberg-Maissau – Eggenburg section. At Sigmundsherberg station, the old pedestrian underpass will be dismantled overnight. At the same time, existing bridges and drainage systems will be modernized.
The Limberg-Maissau station will undergo a complete modernization in 2027, giving it a contemporary look. The new platform will be equipped with weather protection systems and real-time passenger information displays.
Bike&Ride facilities will also be installed, and the existing Park&Ride lot will be expanded to over 100 spaces, thereby facilitating quick transfers to rail transport. The station area will be redesigned, and the bus stops will be adapted in collaboration with the authorities of Lower Austria.
By 2027, the stations at Großweikersdorf, Ziersdorf, Limberg-Maissau, Eggenburg, and Sigmundsherberg will be equipped with modern electronic signaling systems (electronic interlocking). These systems will enable rail traffic to be managed in a centralized and more efficient manner in the future, directly from the operational control centers.
The Franz-Josefs Line Connects Austria and the Czech Republic
The historic Franz-Josefs Line will be modernized between Gmünd and Vienna based on a joint concept developed by ÖBB and the Lower Austrian authorities. The projects do not stop with the 2026 works, as additional infrastructure investments are planned.
To allow trains to pass each other without delays, certain sections will be doubled: approximately 2.5 km north of Absdorf-Hippersdorf and 4 km in the Irnfritz area.
In addition, the maximum operating speed will be increased on some sections. The projects are already in the planning phase, and implementation is scheduled, according to the ÖBB master plan, to begin in the 2030s.
The single-track Franz-Josefs Line was built during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and named after Emperor Franz Joseph I. Today, it is part of the network operated by ÖBB and plays an important role in both passenger and regional transport. The line is 162 km long and connects Vienna and Gmünd, and from there connections continue to the Czech railway network, including to České Velenice and further on to České Budějovice.
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