CTS Salzburg is about to tackle the construction of the “west switch“
“West switch“ provides direct link to the rail network from Germany to the Container Terminal Salzburg from December 2013
A major project to optimise seaport hinterland traffic titled “west switch“ is to be launched at the Container Terminal Salzburg (CTS) shortly. According to their own account this is the most important transhipment point for combined transport in western Austria and southern Bavaria. After 30 years it is now to receive a direct link to the rail network from Germany. Construction works will start by the end of July 2012, completion is scheduled for autumn 2013. Operations shall be started with the change to the winter schedule on 12 December 2013. The triple track expansion of the railway segment Freilassing-Salzburg allowed for the improvement of the infrastructure at the CTS.
The "west switch" allows trains to directly approach the CTS from Germany in the future. So far, the trains from Germany had to make a detour of 17 kilometres via the train station in Salzburg, and then return. The Container Terminal Salzburg could only be approached directly from the south. Through the direct approach the new "west switch" can save two hours per train in handling. "These are perfect perspectives for the highly export-oriented industries in the region.
With the ‚west switch’ we can drive to and from seaports significantly more efficient. A new era begins for intermodal transport", said Otto Hawlicek, managing director CTS. The container terminal Salzburg has expanded its capacity in recent history up to 350,000 TEU per annum. Last year, the rise due to the flattening of the international exports compared to 2010 decreased by 4.5 per cent to 232,000 TEU. For 2012, growth is forecast to reach two per cent.
Quelle: LogEastics
Portal: www.logistik-express.com