AUSTRIAN infrastructure manager ÖBB-Infrastruktur has started construction work on a project to modernise the line between Vienna and Břeclav in the Czech Republic, which will reduce Vienna - Prague journey times and increase capacity for Vienna S-Bahn services.
The €70m project is part of a planned €870m investment in the country’s eastern region in 2022. ÖBB plans to invest €2.90bn across its network this year, as part of its €18.2bn five-year investment plan in the rail network that was announced on November 3.
The North Line project involves upgrading the track, modernising overhead catenary and safety systems on the 66km route, which ÖBB says will benefit both long-distance and commuter services through increased line speeds.
Work is divided into two phases, starting with the 21km southern section between Vienna Süßenbrunn and Gänserndorf, which is due to be completed by 2027. The northern section will be completed by 2030.
There are plans to remove 18 level crossings and modernise 17 stations. Journey times will be improved, both domestically and internationally, with services to Prague expected to take 3h 45min.
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