The load test proceeded as follows: three ÖBB class 2016 diesel locomotives drove onto the bridge simultaneously and halted there, enabling the structural engineers to take load measurements. These measurements corresponded to the previously calculated values. This means that track 1 on this section is now open to traffic across the new bridge.
So, the bridge over the Salzach in Eschenau, which started being done in 2024, is now moving on to the next bit. The old bridge had been in service for over 110 years and had reached the end of its technical service life.
Work on track 1 will continue until the end of September, after which preparatory work on track 2 will begin. From 7 January, track 2 will be closed to general train traffic so that the second bridge, which dates from 1904, can be demolished during the winter low-water period, new abutments can be erected, and the new bridge sections can be lifted into place. The bridge is scheduled to reopen to traffic at the end of May 2026.
