Description:
The so-called "Vorortelinie" is part of the historical urban transport system of Vienna, built 1893-1898 and designed by the famous Austrin architect Otto Wagner. In contrast to the other metropolitan lines the "Vorortelinie" remained in the possession of the Austrian Federal Railways. Partly destroyed during WW2 the line was used afterwards only for the transport of goods. In 1979 the decision was made to restore, modernise and electrify the old line in its whole length of 9,6 km - including all station-buildings, bridges, retaining-walls, tunnels and viaducts - on a scientific basis and to integrate it again in the public transport system. The line was re-opened on the 30th of May 1987. Without question the revitalization of the "Wiener Vorortelinie" must be seen as an Austrian contribution to the special project worked out by the European Conference refering to the protection of the technical and industrial heritage of Europe.