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

Modernisations on the underground network

On the weekend of 14/15 September, Wiener Linien will be renewing points on the U2 between Schottentor and Schottenring.

Restriction: U2 shortened to Schottenring

The U2 is shortened by one station and can only run between Seestadt and Schottenring.

  • At Schottenring station, trains will run from both tracks in the direction of Seestadt. Please check the displays for information.
  • At TaborstraĂźe station, trains run alternately from both tracks in both directions. Please check the displays for information.

Alternatives: 

Please change to trams 1 and 71. Line U2Z is running during the nights.

Duration of the restrictions: 14 and 15 September 2024

View graphic

From 19 August to the end of November, we will be renewing the platform in the direction of Leopoldau. The modernisation work will take place at night. To ensure that the U1 can continue to run at the usual frequent intervals, trains travelling in the direction of Leopoldau will not stop at Kagran station. For safety reasons, no work can take place on the platform at this time. 

Restrictions:

  • No stop in Kagran in the direction of Leopoldau
  • Except Monday to Thursday from 23:00 (11pm): Trains run in both directions on one track at Kagran and Kagraner Platz stations. This means that only every second train can run beyond Praterstern to Leopoldau. The U1 runs every 12 minutes between Oberlaa and Leopoldau and every 6 minutes in the central section between Alaudagasse and Praterstern.

Alternative:

  • To reach Kagran station in the direction of Leopoldau, you can travel to the next station, Kagraner Platz, and then take a train in the opposite direction. You should allow 5 to 10 minutes more for this. 
  • To get from Kagran to the stations in the direction of Leopoldau, take the U1 to Alte Donau station and then take the U1 in the direction of Leopoldau. You should allow an extra 5 to 10 minutes for this. 

Monday to Thursday from 23:00 (11pm), trains travelling in both directions stop at Kagran station on the platform in the direction of Oberlaa.

Duration of the restriction: 19 August to the end of November 2024

View graphic

View graphic: Mon-Thu after 23:00 (11pm)

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 HĂĽtteldorf 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 HĂĽtteldorf and Spittelau. The replacement tram line E4 is running between Augasse and NuĂźdorf.

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 FriedensbrĂĽcke station in track-switching mode. 

Duration of the restriction: 

4 November to 17 December 2024

During the summer holidays, Wiener Linien will continue the renovation of the tunnel beams under the 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.

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 HĂĽtteldorf.

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 GroĂźfeldsiedlung 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 FriedensbrĂĽcke. 

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

  • The U4 underground line cannot run between Schottenring and FriedensbrĂĽcke. In its place, the replacement tram line E4 is running on the route of line D (NuĂźdorf - 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

Modernisations on the tram network

Wiener Linien will be renewing the tram tracks in Wiedner HauptstraĂźe from the beginning of April until probably the beginning of November 2024. The renewal of the tracks will be used to transform Wiedner HauptstraĂźe 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 DörfelstraĂźe.
  • 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.

View graphic

From April to 21 September 2024, Wiener Linien is renewing the tram tracks between Schottentor and Lange Gasse and relocating them close to the future U2xU5 Rathaus underground station. UniversitätsstraĂźe 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 StraĂźe. 
  • 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 StraĂźe. 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 StraĂźe/Maria Theresien StraĂźe/Schottengasse/ UniversitätsstraĂźe is expected to be closed until and including 15 July.

Duration of the restrictions: 16 April until 21 September 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.

View graphic

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

Restrictions:

Line D is divided: It runs on the sections NuĂźdorf - 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

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 WallensteinstraĂźe and Schottenring. It will be diverted from WallensteinstraĂźe 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

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

View graphic

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

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