The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) successfully moved a new 3,500-tonne railway bridge into its final position over the A25 motorway on Sunday, June 14. This engineering milestone, which concluded at 1:07 p.m., marks a significant step in the ongoing four-track expansion of the Westbahn line, Austria’s primary rail artery.
How the bridge was moved
Engineers utilized specialized sliding technology to position the structure with millimeter precision. According to ÖBB, the bridge was lifted by hydraulic jack-up towers and moved across a track system supported by nitrogen-assisted fluid technology, which significantly reduced friction during the maneuver. The bridge, which spans nearly 100 meters, was pre-assembled 400 meters away from the tracks to avoid disrupting rail operations.
Why this project matters
The bridge placement is part of a broader effort to upgrade the Westbahn line to four tracks between Linz and Wels. While two of the three existing bridges at this location were modernized after 50 years of service, this new structure provides the necessary capacity for future demand. By pre-assembling the bridge away from the tracks, the project avoided the need for a full line closure or the implementation of a rail replacement service.
What happens next
The full benefits of the four-track expansion are expected to materialize by 2031, when the increased capacity will allow more trains to run between Linz and Wels. In the immediate future, local traffic impacts will persist; the Marchtrenker Unterharterstraße remains closed near the bridge site to allow for concrete work and technical installations. Additionally, the construction zone on the A25 motorway will remain in place for safety reasons as work continues along the 24-kilometer project section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the bridge moved at night?
The motorway required a full closure to accommodate the sliding process, which took place over the weekend of June 13–14.
When will the four-track line be fully operational?
The project is scheduled for completion in 2031, at which point the expanded line will support higher train frequencies.
Are other sections of the Westbahn line being upgraded?
Yes, the ÖBB is working on multiple projects simultaneously, including the final planning phase for the section between the Linz freight yard and the Linz signal bridge, as well as construction work on the west side of the Linz main station.
How do you think the expansion of the Westbahn will change your daily commute by 2031?
