ÖBB has started 2023 with a bang in announcing combined railway infrastructure investments of 3,38 billion euros in the various Austrian states. The eastern part of the country and the federal state of Styria will be the main recipients of funds, with 1,2 billion and 642 million euros, respectively.

The investments are part of a 19-billion-euro construction spending package which runs until 2028. For this year, the announced spending comes out at close to 3,4 billion euros. The funds are split as follows:

• Voralberg: 52 million, 104-kilometre network
• Salzburg: 171 million, 242-kilometre network
• Upper Austria: 331 million, 881-kilometre network
• Carinthia: 379 million, 517-kilometre network
• Tyrol: 536 million, 460-kilometre network
• Styria: 642 million, 787-kilometre network
• Ostregion: 1,2 billion, n.a.

Emphasis on tunnels

Much of the work in Tyrol will centre on the access route to the Brenner Base Tunnel, such as additional exploration drilling efforts and making progress on the four-track expansion at Schaftenau – Radfeld junction. Additionally, improvements to the stations in Telfs-Pfaffenhofen and Fritzens-Wattens. ÖBB will also be looking to close several level crossings in Tyrol and take safety measures for others.

Much of the work on the Koralm railway will be carried out in the state of Styria, hence the large investments in this state. Styria will see 2.8 billion euros through 2028. ÖBB aims to begin track laying in the 33-kilometre Koralm tunnel and make tunnel breakthroughs in the Semmering Base Tunnel. Other efforts include beefing up the solar power installations in the state, modernise railway stations, increase electrification efforts and expand existing lines.

This article appeared originally on our sister publication RailTech.com.

Also read:

• Rail innovation: ÖBB pours billions into sustainable investments