New Railway Line Köstendorf – Salzburg

Project objectives

The four-track upgrade of the stretch between Köstendorf and Salzburg is a milestone in the history of Austria’s main Western railway line. The new line in Flachgau will increase capacity and make it possible to expand the range of national and international passenger and freight services, reduce journey times and deliver a more efficient local timetable.

Project description

The tunnel is being investigated using continuous and cyclical construction methods. The project extends from the existing km 290.185 (Köstendorf) to the existing km 311.468 (Kasern). The central structure is the Flachgau Tunnel and is divided into three sections: Seekirchen (14.3 km), tunnel bridges Fischach (0.2 km) and Grafenholz (2 km). After the route selection process an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was required.

Project data

• New double-trackline, vmax = 250 km/h, length 21.3 km, Flachgau Tunnel
• Mostly single-track/twin tube, in the vicinity of Grafenholz double-track single tube

Services

• Specialist reports for the EIS on Air Quality and climate: monitoring as well as determination of current situation
• Measurement of nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, dust precipitation incl. heavy metals and usage of NO₂ passive collectors