- Conversion to cross spans during ongoing railway operations
- Increased system availability through renewal of the entire catenary system
- A EUR 4 million investment in modern catenary technology for ÖBB Infrastruktur AG
On behalf of ÖBB Infrastruktur AG, EQOS Energie is implementing a comprehensive project to modernise the catenary system at the Neulengbach railway station. The goal is the technical renewal and structural optimisation of the existing catenary infrastructure while rail operations continue. The project started in January 2026 and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2027.
Challenging catenary line installation during ongoing operations
The Catenary Austria profit center of EQOS Energie is responsible for the conversion of the existing systems, including the replacement of head spans with modern cross spans. These enable a clearer static separation of the systems, which will significantly reduce susceptibility to faults. A particular technical challenge is the initial installation of these cross spans at night with feeder and catenary lines in place, since the confined space and limited visibility place the highest demands on work safety, precision, static control and coordination with ongoing operations.
The implementation will take place in clearly defined construction phases:
From January 2026 to June 2027, pre-assembly and preparatory work will be carried out, partly during night-time closures, in order to minimise disruption to ongoing rail operations. The main work will take place during scheduled permanent closures – one track in August 2027 and the second in October 2027. This will be followed by some reworking and the disassembly of the old masts.
Technical quality as the basis for stable networks
With a project volume of around EUR 4 million, the project will make a significant contribution to ensuring long-term system availability. The complete renewal of the catenary system will significantly reduce the likelihood of faults and failures.
Carsten Kuhle, Managing Director and Head of the Railway Technology business unit at EQOS Energie, explained: “The modernisation in Neulengbach represents a precisely planned and efficiently implemented catenary line project under demanding operating conditions. With this work, we are making an important contribution to the stability of the electrified network.” His colleague Bernhard Schuller, who is responsible for the Catenary Systems Austria profit center, added: “The installation of cross spans under existing lines, which has to be performed at night, requires the highest level of technical expertise and well-coordinated processes. Our specialised team implements these requirements with maximum precision and safety.”
Greater availability for the region and for railway traffic
For the customer, this project means a sustainable increase in operational safety: Fewer faults in the catenary system result in shorter downtimes and waiting times for train services.
The line is already electrified, and the comprehensive renewal will extend the technical service life of the catenary system and further reduce the likelihood of faults and failures. EQOS Energie is thus sustainably strengthening the efficiency of the railway infrastructure in the Neulengbach region.