Major S-Bahn closure in Vienna: Summer modernization begins!

Major S-Bahn closure in Vienna: Summer modernization begins!

There will be major construction sites in the federal capital Vienna in the summer of 2025, which will affect both the S-Bahn and the subway. From June 28th to September 1st, the S-Bahn between Floridsdorf and Praterstern will be completely closed due to extensive modernization work. The ÖBB is working on the future viability of the main route in order to enable passengers to travel regularly and safely in the future. These measures are part of a large-scale project to renew rail infrastructure. As the Railway blog post reported that the work will take place during the summer holidays in order to minimize possible disruption to commuters.

The modernizations include the extension of platforms, the renewal of buildings and supporting structures as well as the implementation of the digital train control system ETCS, which is intended to ensure a more frequent timetable. During the closure, tracks, switches and overhead lines will be repaired. At the same time, a replacement service with buses in the characteristic ÖBB design will be set up to still take passengers comfortably to their destination.

Replacement traffic during construction work

Passengers can look forward to two replacement bus routes. The yellow line is a direct bus that runs without stopping between Vienna Praterstern and Vienna Floridsdorf, daily from 5:30 a.m./6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The blue line, on the other hand, is designed as a classic rail replacement service and has stops in Vienna Traisengasse and Vienna Handelskai. Overall, replacement traffic is monitored around the clock and valid ÖBB tickets are recognized by Wiener Linien on defined replacement routes. A new color coding system ensures better orientation.

But that's not all: Wiener Linien also holds the hammer high. Over the summer months they will update the U4 and renew tracks throughout the city. The section between Schottenring and Friedensbrücke is particularly affected, where the tunnel infrastructure is over 120 years old. As the Vienna lines report, the U4 will run between Heiligenstadt and Friedensbrücke and between Hütteldorf and Schottenring during the construction period. Passengers have the option of switching to tram line E4 and the rerouted line D.

More track work in the city

In this context, track work is also planned on several tram lines. The Kärntner Ring, Universitätsring and Schubertring will undergo massive renovations from July to the end of August. Lines D, 1, 2 and 71 will be shortened or rerouted, but passengers will still be able to use the subway lines U1, U2, U3 and U4. Furthermore, the track renovation in Floridsdorf will continue during ongoing operations. The tracks on Schloßhofer Straße will be renewed from August 8th. Many traffic flows are coordinated here at the same time.

There is a lot on offer for everyone who is traveling in Vienna in the summer: the intervals of the other subway lines will be increased in the area around the construction sites, so that the U2 and U4 can run every 5 minutes during the summer holidays. Tram lines 2, 30, 31, 38 and 44 also benefit from this measure.

With the large-scale modernization offensive that started rolling in 2024, Vienna is on the right path into the future. The new tram lines 12 and 27 are scheduled to go into operation in the fall, and construction work to extend line 18 to the stadium will begin shortly. These initiatives are not only necessary, but also an investment in the quality of life of Viennese people.