Rail replacement service

Snapshot: Gailtalbahn gets new tracks

You rarely see so many workers on the tracks: Photographed near Emmersdorf.(Bild: Hannes Wallner)

This scene (see above) was seen by motorists on Monday morning just before Nötsch: a good dozen workers carrying out maintenance work on the Gailtalbahn line, which is therefore closed for days. 

Just in time for the start of school, drivers in the Gailtal valley have to switch from train to bus. "Extensive maintenance work is being carried out," says ÖBB spokeswoman Rosanna Zernatto-Peschel. And as you can see in the photo above, work is indeed underway.

Since last Friday, the Gailtalbahn has been virtually at a standstill due to this work on the entire track. Between Görtschach-Förolach and Lake Pressegger See, even the tracks have to be replaced, according to the Federal Railways, but improvements are also being made to the individual points. Zernatto-Peschel: "This work is simply necessary so that passengers and goods can travel on time with the climate-friendly railroad."

"Minimal adjustments to the timetable"
During the construction work, ÖBB has set up a rail replacement service for almost all trains between Arnoldstein and Hermagor. "There will be minimal adjustments to the timetable." It is therefore advisable to inform yourself before departure. Incidentally, there will be no major loss of speed and therefore time due to the maintenance work. The journey time between Hermagor and Villach will only be extended by four minutes due to the rail replacement service. According to ÖBB, the work should be completed by October 20.