Commissioning of the new Rauchmühl Bridge following successful load testing

Following the successful execution of a controlled load test, ÖBB have prepared the technical acceptance of the new Rauchmühl Bridge. Full rail operations between Hall in Tirol and Innsbruck Main Station will resume from 05:00 on 30 January.

Project context
The Rauchmühl Bridge is located on a heavily used section of the West Line and is critical for both long-distance and regional passenger services. After more than 60 years in service, the existing structure had reached the end of its technical lifespan, necessitating full replacement. The objective of the new construction was to ensure long-term operational safety and align the infrastructure with current structural and operational requirements.

Technical acceptance and load testing
As part of the acceptance process, two “Herkules” freight locomotives with a combined weight exceeding 160 tonnes were positioned on the new structure. Under geodetic monitoring, deformations and settlements were measured with millimetre precision to verify compliance with the defined structural parameters.

The test confirmed that the bridge meets the load-bearing requirements for regular rail operations, enabling the resumption of scheduled train services.

Construction phases and implementation
Construction activities began in spring with the casting of the new concrete superstructure adjacent to Hallerstraße. The new bridge structure measures approximately 29 metres in length and more than 11 metres in width. In early January, the project entered its most intensive phase, requiring a complete closure of the line between Rum and Innsbruck Main Station.

During this period, the existing steel bridge was dismantled and the new structure installed using a technically complex lifting and insertion process. Works were carried out continuously over a three-week period, including temporary road closures to ensure safe execution.

Traffic management during the closure
To maintain mobility during the line closure, ÖBB implemented an extensive rail replacement service. Up to 90 buses were deployed simultaneously during peak periods, operating between Jenbach, Hall in Tirol, and Innsbruck Main Station. In total, approximately 302,000 kilometres were covered by replacement buses.

In addition, Railjet services between Bregenz and eastern Austria, as well as selected regional services, were rerouted via the Innsbruck bypass tunnel to minimize impacts on long-distance traffic.

Operational benefits and outlook
With the commissioning of the new concrete bridge, ÖBB expects improved ride quality, significantly extended service life, and increased structural robustness under future traffic loads. The project represents a substantial contribution to the long-term performance and reliability of the West Line.

Key figures

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