The focus of our modernisations is on the renewal of tracks and switches

Vienna has the sixth largest tram network in the world. Every day, almost 500 trams and almost 170 underground trains with around 2 million passengers travel on our tracks, covering over 100,000 kilometres a day. The intensive use leaves its mark and requires appropriate measures. With the modernisation offensive, we are placing a strong focus on the renewal of existing tracks and switches.
a large building site many workers lay new tram tracks
© Wiener Linien

100 construction sites, only a few affect operations

In 2024, Wiener Linien will be carrying out modernisation work at around 100 locations. Our passengers will notice little or nothing of the majority of the refurbishment and repair work, as we are working during non-operating hours or planning the work in such a way that it does not affect operations. As a result, only a quarter of the measures will be noticeable to passengers because they will result in restrictions. 

In 2024 and 2025, Wiener Linien will modernise almost 20 kilometres of track and 100 switches in the tram network. In 2024 alone, we are renewing 53 switches and almost 9 kilometres of track - that corresponds to the footpath from the State Opera to Alterlaa. In 2025, the newly laid tracks could cover the 11-kilometre walking distance from the Donauturm to Schönbrunn. Wiener Linien is investing 76 million euros in the renewal of the tram tracks alone over the next two years.

Major construction sites are more efficient

track construction workers lay new tracks at night
Work during non-operational hours only allows for isolated improvements
© Wiener Linien

A large number of our track works take place at night after the end of operating hours or during ongoing operations. Wiener Linien also frequently uses the holidays for renewals. However, the limited amount of time outside of ongoing operations only allows for selective improvements. Major construction sites that are realised with departments of the City of Vienna (for example large-scale track replacements, underground renewals or tunnel girder renovations) may entail short-term restrictions, but entire sections of road are made fit for the future. The advantage is clear: comprehensive modernizations bring clearly noticeable improvements for passengers. In addition, local residents only have one construction site on their doorstep and, in the best case, benefit from the redesign. In terms of both efficiency and cost-effectiveness, some construction work therefore requires line divisions, diversions or short routes - cancellations of entire lines are the absolute exception. As far as possible, this work is carried out during holiday periods.

Modernisation of the underground train network in 2024

© Wiener Linien / APA-Grafik On Demand

Modernisation of the underground train network in 2024

During the summer holidays, Wiener Linien will continue the renovation of the tunnel girders at Franz Josefs Kai.

Restrictions: 

The U4 will not run between Schwedenplatz and Schottenring. 

Duration of the restriction: 

1 July up to and including 1 September 2024

Alternatives: 

Lines 71 and U2Z are extended to Schwedenplatz.

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From 5 August up to and including 24 November, we are renewing the platform in the direction of Leopoldau. To ensure that the U1 can still run at the usual dense intervals, trains travelling in the direction of Leopoldau will not stop at Kagran station during the day. For safety reasons, no work can be carried out on the platform during this time; the modernisation work takes place at night. For this reason, we will be setting up a single-track platform switching service in this section every day from 11pm to 5am, i.e. trains travelling in both directions will stop at the platform in the Oberlaa direction. 

Restrictions: 

  • No stop in the direction of Leopoldau during the day
  • Daily from 11pm single-track alternating operation: Trains in both directions stop in Kagran on the platform in the direction of Oberlaa

Alternative:

To reach Kagran station in the direction of Leopoldau during the day, you can travel to the next station Kagraner Platz and then take a train in the opposite direction. You should allow an extra 5 to 10 minutes for this. From 11pm to 5am, trains travelling in both directions stop at Kagran station on the platform in the direction of Oberlaa.

Duration of the restriction: 

5 August up to and including 24 November 2024

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In October, Wiener Linien is renewing the turning facility in Heiligenstadt.

Restrictions: U4 short service to Spittelau; shuttle train Spittelau-Heiligenstadt

The U4 only runs as usual between Hütteldorf and Spittelau. A shuttle train will run between Spittelau and Heiligenstadt, travelling back and forth on one track.

Duration of the restrictions: 7 to 30 October 2024 inclusive

Wiener Linien is renewing points in Heiligenstadt at the beginning of November.

Restrictions: U4 short line to Spittelau; replacement tram E4

The U4 is short-circuited, it can only run between Hütteldorf and Spittelau. The replacement tram line E4 is running between Augasse and Nußdorf.

Duration of the restriction:

31 October (00:30) up to and including 3 November 2024

In November and December, Wiener Linien is renewing the underground bridge over the Alserbach, which dates back to the time of Otto Wagner.

Restrictions:

The track in the direction of Heiligenstadt is closed. The U4 can only stop at Friedensbrücke station in track-switching mode. 

Duration of the restriction: 

4 November to 17 December 2024

In March, Wiener Linien is renewing the signal boxes on the U2 line between Schottentor and Praterstern so that the underground can resume service to Oper, Karlsplatz. 

Restrictions: U2 short-circuit, only runs to Praterstern

The U2 only runs between Seestadt and Praterstern. The section between Praterstern and Schottentor is closed. 

Duration: two weekends in March

  • 2 March (00:30) to 4 March (04:00)
  • 16 March (00:30) to 18 March (04:00)

Please switch to these lines:

  • U1, U4, S-Bahn, 1, 2, 5, 71, U2Z
  • Lines 71 and U2Z are extended to Praterstern.

In March, Wiener Linien is renewing switches between Schottenring and Schwedenplatz. 

Restrictions: U4 divided, does not run between Schwedenplatz and Schottenring

The U4 cannot run between Schottenring and Schwedenplatz. It will only run between Heiligenstadt and Schottenring and between Schwedenplatz and Hütteldorf.

Duration: 23 March (00:30) to 2 April (04:00)

Please switch to these lines: 

  • 1, 71, U2Z
  • Line 71 is extended to Schwedenplatz.

In May, Wiener Linien is renewing switches in Leopoldau.

Restrictions and alternatives:

Trains can only stop on one track at the Großfeldsiedlung and Leopoldau stations. This means that only every second train can travel beyond Kagraner Platz to Leopoldau. Please change to the next train to continue to Leopoldau. 

Duration of the restriction: 

1 May (22:00) up to and including 5 May 2024

In May, Wiener Linien is renewing switches between Schottenring and Friedensbrücke. 

Restrictions: U4 closed between Schottenring and Friedensbrücke, line 71 shortened

  • The U4 underground line cannot run between Schottenring and Friedensbrücke. In its place, the replacement tram line E4 is running on the route of line D (Nußdorf - Börse - Ring - Schottenring station). 
  • Line 71 makes room for the replacement line E4 and is short-routed. It only runs between Kaiserebersdorf and Schwarzenbergplatz.

Duration: two weekends in May

  • 9 May (00:30) up to and including 12 May 2024
  • 18 May (00:30 hrs) up to and including 20 May 2024

Modernisation of tram tracks and switches in 2024

In March, Wiener Linien is renewing the tram tracks in Kreuzgasse at the intersection with Sommarugagasse in the 18th district. 

Restrictions: 

  • Line 9: Line 9 is short-routed, running between Westbahnhof and Rosensteingasse.
  • Line 42: Line 42 has been cancelled. The replacement bus 42E is travelling in its place. 

Duration:

11 March 2024 (04:00 hrs) to 30 March 2024 (04:00 hrs)

Please switch to these lines:

  • Replacement bus 42E
  • U6, S45
  • 40, 41, 43
  • 10A

Wiener Linien will be renewing the tram tracks in Wiedner Hauptstraße from the beginning of April until probably the beginning of November 2024. The renewal of the tracks will be used to transform Wiedner Hauptstraße into a climate-friendly neighbourhood. 

Restrictions:

  • Line 1: Line 1 will be diverted between Oper, Karlsplatz and Kliebergasse via the route of lines D and 18.
  • Line 62: Line 62 has a short route. It runs between Lainz and Dörfelstraße.
  • The Badner Bahn will not only run from Baden to the Opera, but also from Kliebergasse to the Belvedere neighbourhood.

Duration of the restrictions: 2 April until the beginning of November 2024

Please switch to these lines:

  • U1, U4, U6, S-Bahn
  • 13A, 59A
  • Line 59A runs at more frequent intervals.

Shuttle service for persons with reduced mobility:

  • Phone: +43 664 8848 6514. Lead time: 15 minutes.
  • Operating hours: Monday to Sunday and public holidays 8am-5pm
  • The area in which the shuttle operates is marked in blue in the graphic.

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From April to autumn 2024, Wiener Linien is renewing the tram tracks between Schottentor and Lange Gasse and relocating them close to the future U2xU5 Rathaus underground station. Universitätsstraße is being redesigned into a climate-friendly street with a two-way cycle path, new green spaces and trees. 

Restrictions:

  • Line 43 is short. It runs between Neuwaldegg and Alser Straße. 
  • Line 44 has been cancelled. It is replaced by line 33 between Lange Gasse and Maroltingergasse. 
  • Line 33 does not run between Lange Gasse and Josefstädter Straße. It runs from Lange Gasse as a replacement for line 44 to Maroltingergasse (temporary terminus).
  • Underground exit at Schottentor U2 station closed: The staircase at the junction of Währinger Straße/Maria Theresien Straße/Schottengasse/ Universitätsstraße is expected to be closed until and including 15 July.

Duration of the restrictions: 16 April until autumn 2024

Please switch to these lines: 

  • U3, U6
  • 33; 2, 5, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42
  • Lines 5, 33 and 42 are running at more frequent intervals.

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The Augarten Bridge is undergoing general refurbishment in the summer. During this period, Wiener Linien are renewing the tram tracks on the bridge. 

Restrictions: Line 31 diverted

While the bridge is closed, line 31 cannot run between Wallensteinstraße and Schottenring. It will be diverted from Wallensteinstraße via the route of lines 5 and D to the Augasse stop.

Duration of the restriction: 

3 June up to and including 1 September 2024

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In July, Wiener Linien is renewing the tracks in the loop at Urban Loritz Platz (under the main library).

Restriction:

  • Line 18 is shortened by two stops and runs between Schlachthausgasse and Westbahnhof. 
  • Line 6 turns in the loop at Urban Loritz Platz (Mizzi Langer Kauba Park). This means no restrictions for passengers. 

Duration of the restriction: 15 to 26 July 2024 inclusive

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In October and November, Wiener Linien is renewing the tracks at Schlickplatz.

Restrictions:

Line D is divided: It runs on the sections Nußdorf - Franz Josefs Bahnhof - Wallensteinplatz and Absberggasse - Börse - Schottenring. The section between Franz Josefs Bahnhof and Börse will not be travelled. 
Line 71 is a short service and only runs between Kaiserebersdorf and Schwarzenbergplatz.

Duration of the restrictions: 

21 October up to and including 8 November 2024

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