Current disruptions to rail services

Austria’s Western Line affected

Rail operations between Linz and St. Valentin have been severely disrupted since the evening of 16 July. The disruption was caused by damage to the overhead line in the Asten/St. Florian area, which also affected the signalling system.

Currently, operations are only possible under emergency operating conditions, and some sections of the line remain closed. As a result, capacity is particularly limited for rail freight services. ÖBB-Infrastruktur is working to resolve the situation, but a full return to normal operations is not yet in sight.

Capacity constraints along German’s main rail corridors

Key routes in the German rail network are also operating with significantly reduced capacity. In addition to the ongoing corridor renewal works on the Passau–Nuremberg corridor, the right-bank Rhine route between Wiesbaden and Cologne is currently closed. Based on the latest information, both closures are expected to remain in place until mid-December.
Additional construction work in the Fulda area will further affect rail traffic over the next two weeks. The alternative route Hanau–Giessen is also closed until further notice.

Impact on freight services

The limited capacity may result in delays, congestion and changes to scheduled operations. Some services cannot currently be operated as planned. Alternative routes and diversions are being continuously assessed; however, they are not feasible in all cases.

Task force working intensively on solutions

The RCG task force is closely monitoring the affected services and remains in regular contact with the relevant infrastructure managers. All available capacity is being used as efficiently as possible. Large-scale diversion concepts are also being developed to move freight onwards as quickly as possible.

Your RCG contact is available at any time should you require further information.

17.07.2026