Lienz Train station conversion and underpass
Between 2019 and 2022, Lienz train station was converted into a modern mobility center for the regional center of Lienz in Austria. An important element was the pedestrian and bicycle underpass, which not only runs under the train station but also under the busy B100 road. This significantly improved the connectivity between the southern parts of the city, the train station and the center.
Key trigger fact
Lack of intermodal linkage and railway had divisive effect on the city.
Key implementation fact
Construction of a spacious pedestrian and bicycle underpass and direct, high-quality connection of the transport options.
Key evidence of success fact
Neighbourhoods have grown together, new sustainable mobility options have been created.
Key take away
High-quality planning increases acceptance, and connections to the surrounding area must be considered.
Challenge addressed: Barrier and lack of connections
The busy B100 road, the railway line and the river Drava run between the city center of Lienz and the southern parts of the city, where there are residential areas and many leisure facilities. These barriers were an obstacle, especially for pedestrians and cyclists, as they required major detours. The renovation of the station should therefore be accompanied by an improvement, particularly for active forms of mobility.
Solution implemented: Spacious pedestrian and bicycle underpass
With the reconstruction of the station, an underpass and a bridge over the Drava created new connections for pedestrians and cyclists between districts and to the station. A generous width, flat ramps and daylight, making it a showcase project. Active mobility was also given special consideration at the station itself. There are 270 parking spaces for bicycles and a bike rental center. A "bike platform" enables ground-level access by bike directly from the popular Drava cycle path.
Results achieved: Acceptance through a focus on needs
The underpass and bridge have created synergies between an improved connection to the station, a new direct connection between parts of the city and a link to a regional cycling route. The high quality of the construction has led to widespread acceptance. Brightness and sufficient width for pedestrians and cyclists increase safety and prevent conflicts. The integration of different modes of transport is optimally resolved through short, level paths. The railway station of Lienz was therefore voted 2nd best railway station, besides the main stations category, in the nationwide contest of the Mobility Club Austria in 2023.
Lessons learned: High quality and connection to the surrounding area
The redesign of the station area in Lienz can serve as a model for small and medium-sized towns on how to create a mobility hub that takes special account of active mobility and its needs. High-quality planning and construction demonstrate respect for users and increase acceptance. The integration of different modes of transport must not only be seamless within the mobility hub itself, but the connection to the surrounding area must also be optimal.
Cross Links
Contact: ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, infrastruktur.oebb.at
Publications: https://architektur.hoerbst.com/projekt/bahnhof-lienz/?identifier=0 (Pictures by Kurt Hörbst Photography)
https://bahnhof.oebb.at/de/tirol/lienz
https://www.lienz.gv.at/stadtleben/mobilitaet-parken/mobilitaetszentrum.html (City of Lienz, german)
https://vcoe.at/news/details/bahnhof-lienz-als-mobilitaetsdrehscheibe-fuer-osttirol (german)
Learn more
The project Active2Public Transport is supported by the Interreg Danube Region Programme project co-funded by the European Union. The project was initiated by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI), Department II/6 in cooperation with klimaaktiv mobil – the Austrian Federal climate protection initiative on sustainable mobility.