Dear Mayors, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have begun preparations for the second phase of the Tauern Tunnel modernization project and would like to inform you that, as was the case during the first phase of construction, the Tauern Tunnel will be completely closed from February 8 through July 9, 2027. Long-distance passenger rail service will be replaced by bus service, and night train service will be rerouted. To ensure the work is completed promptly, we will begin preliminary work as early as fall 2026,
though this will not result in any restrictions for passengers.

Despite the closure of the Tauern Railway, ÖBB will once again offer a predictable and reliable connection. Here is an overview of the arrangements for the entire duration of the closure:

• For passenger service, a rail replacement service with direct buses running hourly will be provided between Bischofshofen and Spittal/Millstättersee.
• For passenger service between Salzburg and Bad Gastein, a rail replacement service will run hourly between Schwarzach-St. Veit and Bad Gastein.
• On the Mallnitz-Obervellach–Spittal-Millstättersee route, long-distance trains will run every two hours; between Spittal-Millstättersee and Villach,
there will be occasional schedule adjustments.
• The Tauernbahn Car Ferry (ASTB) will resume operations on July 10, 2027.
• The additional shuttle service for commuters and cyclists will be organized in the tried-and-true manner. The ASTB (Tauernbahn Car Ferry) annual pass will be valid on the shuttle buses provided as part of this additional service.
• ÖBB Passenger Transport will notify ASTB annual pass holders separately.

We will keep you updated with further details.

Extensive Work on the Project

In the Tauern Tunnel, during the second construction phase in the approximately 2-kilometer-long southern section near Mallnitz—similar to the first construction phase—the tunnel lining will be rehabilitated and the railway equipment inside the tunnel will be replaced. To make the most efficient use of the closure, necessary maintenance and renewal projects on the Tauern line are once again being bundled together.

• Rehabilitation of the Weitmoser and Hundsdorfer viaducts
• Replacement of the overhead contact system in the Klamm Tunnel
• Replacement of various systems in the Kaponig Tunnel
• Replacement of track systems in
– Böckstein
– Mallnitz-Obervellach
– Paternion-Feistritz
– Weissenstein-Kellerberg
• Modernization of the Rothenthurn station

Modernization of the Tauernbahn Vehicle Lock

As part of the second construction phase, the opportunity is also being taken to bring the Tauernbahn vehicle gate up to a new standard. The infrastructure, including the technology in the access area, is being completely renovated and enhanced with technical updates. The check-in process and ticket purchase will be digitized
and converted to efficient self-service, as is already common practice in the road toll sector. License plate recognition for contactless entry into the waiting area for season ticket holders is also part of the digitization package,
which is further enhanced by new safety features. Significant progress is also being made in terms of accessibility. Access at the Mallnitz-Obervellach station
to the car-carrying train is being improved with a new ramp and a covered waiting area. The trains in service are also being modernized and elevated to a new level with improved accessibility and expanded bicycle capacity. In this way, we are taking another step toward comfort, sustainability, and digitalization. The Tauernbahn car ferry, a unique travel experience, will shine in new splendor.
Closures by DB and ASFINAG The Tauern closure was planned so that ÖBB’s work would be carried out in parallel with the closure by
Deutsche Bahn between Rosenheim and Freilassing, in order to leverage synergies, as this results in similar impacts on freight traffic.

Restrictions due to ASFINAG highway construction projects were also taken into account in advance. ASFINAG’s renovation of the Katschberg and Tauern Tunnels will begin in the fall of 2027.

Thank you for your understanding regarding the impact of these necessary measures.