Currently the new construction project “Vienna Central Station” is one of the most important infrastructural projects in Austria. By the end of 2014, a new state-of-the-art transit station will be created on an area of 109 hectares, which is embedded in a new city district.
Up to nine Liebherr 280 EC-H 12 Litronic tower cranes were used as lifting devices for the structural engineering works. Complementing these were two fast-erecting cranes on crawler-track undercarriages of the type 42 KR.1. The 280 EC-H 12 Litronic high-top crane is synonymous with high handling capacity and can be deployed with a maximum reach of 75 m. Whereby, they achieve loads of up to 2,800 kg at the end of the boom.
Two Liebherr 42 KR.1 fast-erecting cranes on crawler-tracks were utilized in support. These fast-erecting cranes travelled to the desired location, as required, on their compact crawler-track undercarriages. The major advantage of this type of crane is that they can also be moved whilst upright. This saves time and costs, as assembly and disassembly are not required. An additional advantage of this utilization is that these crawler cranes can be operated self-sufficiently with their electric generators. This independence allows them to achieve a high degree of mobility on the building site.
The core of the new railway station is constituted by a hall that is 100 m long and 25 m wide. An almost equally large connecting hall with direct, unobstructed access to the platforms ensures short, comfortable paths for rail passengers. The visual focal point of the station is a large, modern-styled roof, which spans five island platforms with ten railway tracks. Under the railbed, a floor space of about 20,000 m² is being created on two levels for an attractive gastronomic, retail and service centre. One floor below, a garage for more than 600 cars is being developed. The rail system of the central station covers a distance of 6 km, with approximately 100 km of track and incorporates some 300 railway points.
The new transit station will make Vienna a multi-modal hub of the European rail network, which is of great importance because it enables the smooth connection of trans-European railway lines of the north-south and east-west axis.