SFE cabling and concrete works in the Schwarzach/St. Veit in Pongau station area.
This project marks a key milestone in the modernisation of railway infrastructure in the region. Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group’s St. Veit branch is involved in the works as part of a consortium.
Construction of the new electronic interlocking (ESTW) in Schwarzach began in April 2024 and has been divided into 14 phases. The objective of this major project is to modernise and increase the efficiency of the infrastructure in order to ensure safe and reliable rail operations in the region over the long term. Commissioning of the ESTW is scheduled for 2026.
As part of the construction works, key technical measures are being implemented, particularly the installation of new cable routes. This includes the laying of cable troughs, track crossings with empty conduits in trenches, pipe jacking and boring, as well as the installation of numerous cable pulling shafts. Another key component of the project is the replacement of all signal foundations in the Schwarzach area.
Challenging soil conditions and necessary project extensions required adjustments to the construction schedule. In close coordination with all project partners, work on the remaining measures resumed in mid-March 2025 to ensure timely completion by the end of 2025 as planned.
In spring of this year, work also began to install the new cables in the previously constructed cable routes. A total of around 250 kilometres of cable is expected to be laid or pulled in during the current year. The works are being continuously supported by the use of two to six powerful road-rail excavators.
Constructive collaboration with the client ÖBB and all stakeholders has been key to the project's success so far and will continue to be the foundation for the next stages of the project.
Facts
Project ESTW Schwarzach
- Location: Schwarzach/St. Veit, Austria
- Client: ÖBB
- Scope: SFE cabling and concrete works
- Construction period: April 2024 to expected completion by end of 2026
