Michael Wolfsteiner, Managing Director for the Austrian market and responsible for signaling and safety systems in Austria, explains what matters most in tunnel projects in his field:
Mr. Wolfsteiner, “tunnel expertise” is quite a big term – what does it specifically mean for the signaling and safety systems area of Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group?
For us, the main challenge in tunnel construction projects lies in work preparation. Our primary focus here is on safety, meaning the protection of our colleagues on the track. Our goal is simple: at the end of the day, everyone involved should return home safely to their families! Additionally, tunnels present special requirements, especially regarding logistics. For example, we always carefully plan how our installation teams can reach their worksite as efficiently as possible. And the pace of work progress in our field is different from other trades.
Many construction activities inside tunnels happen under extreme time pressure, for example during track closures. What does a construction company like Rhomberg Sersa need to deliver in order to guarantee quality and safety under such conditions?
In my view, there are two key factors in how we best support our clients: First, flexibility: tunnel projects inevitably involve short-notice changes that we must respond to quickly. This also requires close and trusting coordination with the client and other partners. Second, the willingness to take on additional work at short notice and provide the necessary resources so that the overall project stays on track. That’s what wins over our customers!
Looking back, which tunnel projects in recent years have shaped you the most – or perhaps pushed you to the limits of what’s possible? And why?
What comes to mind are our current works on the Tauern Tunnel. During the extensive renovation of this 115-year-old structure, we at RSRG secured the contracts for both the railway equipment and the signaling systems. In the first phase, we began dismantling the existing signaling installations at the end of 2024. This included the removal of safety-related components such as intermittent train protection systems (PZB), speed control systems (GPE), light signals including signal cabinets, and axle counters. Since April 2025, under strict safety precautions, we’ve been installing custom-built light signals and modern PZB magnets as well as axle counters and putting them into operation.
By the way: our teams use specially purchased e-scooters to cover the 8.5 km-long section of the tunnel, which not only saves them time but also preserves their energy for other exciting signaling and safety projects across Austria.
Looking ahead: where do you see the greatest development potential for commercial track construction in tunnels – whether technical, mechanical, or organizational?
I believe that in the future, we’ll be involved much earlier and more closely in projects – including tunnel projects. This will allow us, for example, to develop alternative approaches for reconstruction projects. This alternative approach works particularly well on industrial sidings and secondary lines. By being involved early on and offering personal support, we can prepare complete turnkey packages.
This means: we present a thoroughly developed proposal to a long-standing client. We assist them in resource planning and contribute our know-how and expertise. We bring together the knowledge from both the client and contractor sides. These short-notice tenders are now rare for us.
In tamping machine technology, we are already industry leaders. We want to maintain and expand this position by continuously driving innovation together with network operators in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany – and that’s where we can score points as well. Our clients value our forward-thinking approach and our strong drive for innovation, which in turn strengthens our collaboration. Everyone in our team builds relationships and trust with the customer – starting with the foreman, who runs their worksite cleanly and efficiently. Personal support and human connection are important to us. This is the attitude we live by – every single day.
