Train failures and diversions: Construction work in NRW!

Train failures and diversions: Construction work in NRW!

In the period from February 28 to April 25, 2025, commuters in North Rhine-Westphalia will have to expect significant restrictions on rail traffic. These regulations concern the route between Essen and Dortmund Central Station and are part of comprehensive modernization measures. An important point that Bild is high in the Bochum main station at the Long -distance traffic during the entire block.

The affected stops such as Düsseldorf Airport, Dortmund Hbf, Essen Hbf and Duisburg Hbf are all only operated with reduced train traffic. In addition, detours in long -distance transport are mainly expected on the connections between Essen and Dortmund as well as between Cologne/Düsseldorf and Dortmund. Commuters should prepare for travel time extensions of up to 20 minutes. Especially on weekends there will be closure for the S-Bahn tracks between Essen and Dortmund.

Details on the diversions

The current construction work also has an impact on local transport. The RE 1 is diverted with an additional stop in Herne, while the Bochum Hbf and Wattenscheid stops are eliminated. The RE 6 is affected between Essen Hbf and Dortmund Hbf, with trains from Düsseldorf ending in Essen. Also omitted at RE 11 and RE 16, while the RB 40 between Essen Hbf and Witten Hbf is affected. Replacement buses are provided for all affected routes. The comprehensive construction work is necessary to modernize the tracks and the course and to enable the new RRX expansion and a new platform at Bochum Central Station. In total, the investments are over 30 million euros, as also from Ruhr24 reported.

At the same time, another extensive construction project in the Hagen area will be carried out from February 7th to 23rd, 2025. Here, 28 kilometers of rails between Hagen Central Station and Hagen-Westhofen are renewed. These construction measures are part of the "S 3" renovation program, which aims to improve the infrastructure and to remedy defects. Adjustments are also planned at the "Block Heide Block" valley bridge, including the installation of new overhead line masts. Affected long-distance traffic lines are, for example, the ICE Sprinter Bonn-Cologne-Berlin, which is completely eliminated, as well as the ICE line Koblenz-Cologne-Berlin, which cannot offer traffic until February 21.

The future of rail traffic in NRW

The 2025 vintage is viewed as a turning point for rail traffic in North Rhine-Westphalia. The planned construction projects aim to cover the increasing need for mobility and at the same time remedy existing defects in the rail network. In view of these challenges, experts warn for patience and at the same time to proactive planning. Users are encouraged to use timetable apps to always stay up to date and, if necessary, to develop alternative plans, such as the temporary use of home office or switching to the bike, such as NRW recommended.

The coming months are undoubtedly a challenge for travelers in NRW, but in the middle of these extensive construction measures, hope of a more reliable and efficient rail network could also raise.