Pontebbana railway line closure affects Austria-Italy transit

Extensive railway construction on the Pontebbana line in Italy's Canal Valley will result in a track closure from August 22 to September 20, 2026. The Italian infrastructure operator, Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), is conducting works to renew tracks and modernize technical facilities to ensure long-term capacity for north-south cross-border traffic.

During this period, ÖBB will also perform modernization work, including renewing six switches in Thörl-Maglern. The closure affects long-distance, local, and night services connecting Austria to Italy. While Railjet connections between Vienna and Villach will operate as scheduled, other services will utilize bus replacement services.

Specific replacement routes include: - Long-distance trains to/from Venice will use buses between Villach and Gemona del Friuli. - Long-distance trains to/from Trieste will use buses between Villach and Trieste. - Local trains to/from Trieste will use buses between Villach and Udine. - Night trains will be diverted via the Brenner route, with bus replacements operating between Villach and Trieste, and Villach and Udine.

Two bus services will operate from Villach to Trieste: a direct line without intermediate stops and a station bus serving Udine, Cervignano, Trieste Airport, and Monfalcone. ÖBB tickets remain valid for the replacement services.