Construction work between Hanau and Fulda: two weeks without trains!

Construction work between Hanau and Fulda: two weeks without trains!

On the evening of April 17, 2025, at 9 p.m., a comprehensive blocking of the railway line between Hanau and Fulda begins, which should last until May 2. This measure is part of large -scale construction work for the four -track expansion of the route between Hanau and Gelnhausen, which is associated with an investment of approximately 1.6 billion euros. The construction work concerns both tracks as well as the superstructure, earthworks and the overhead lines. In addition, ramming and drilling pile work in Gelnhausen and Hasselroth-Niedermittlau are necessary. The construction work also includes the demolition and new construction of the bridge on Landesstraße 3202 (Westpse) near Gelnhausen as well as the extension and modernization of the train station in Biebergemünd-Wirtheim. Fulda train station is also not unaffected during this time; Investments of 35 million euros are used here for modernization and accessibility. This work on platforms 36 and 37 are planned between April 9 and June 30, 2025.

The effects on passenger traffic are considerable. Regional traffic is replaced by replacement buses that run every 30 minutes between Hanau Central Station and Fulda as well as between Hanau's main train station and Wächtersbach. This means that the journeys take significantly longer; From Hanau to Wächtersbach, for example, the bus ride takes about 25 minutes more, while the connection to Fulda takes almost twice as long as in regular train operation. Bicycles are not permitted during this replacement trips, which is an additional challenge for commuters and travelers. The regional trains concerned are the RE 50 and RB 51, which will not run during the blocking period. The complete restoration of the regular train operation is planned for May 2 at 5 a.m.

long -distance transport affected

Long -distance transport does not remain unaffected by the construction work. Trains of the Intercity Express (ICE) and Intercity (IC) have to bypass the construction area. The stop in Frankfurt-Süd, Hanau and Fulda are eliminated during the blocking, which extends travel times for many passengers. For the connection Frankfurt-Kassel-Berlin, travelers have to expect an extended travel time for about 35 minutes, since it will only run every two hours. The connection to Hamburg is also 50 minutes longer, as it now ends or begins at Frankfurt West station. The route between Frankfurt and Erfurt and on to Berlin and Dresden is extended by up to 45 minutes, which also brings considerable inconvenience for travelers.

The total duration of the current construction work and the associated restrictions are part of a long -term plan to improve the rail infrastructure. The four -track expansion refers to a 23 -kilometer area between Hanau and Gelnhausen and is intended to increase the capacity and comfort for passengers. The completion of the project is planned for 2036 and is part of a larger trend in Germany, where the largest renovation program for Deutsche Bahn is currently being carried out. As a result, larger budgets, such as the budget of 31.5 billion euros approved by Federal Minister Volker Wissing, are available for the coming years to improve the rail infrastructure.

For the travelers concerned, it is advisable to find out about the current connections and new travel times before starting travel, to avoid longer travel times and possible delays.