Bahnchaos in NRW: Massive restrictions for commuters from December!

Deutsche Bahn started on December 20, 2024 with the comprehensive modernization of the tracks on the north-south axis in North Rhine-Westphalia. As part of this construction work, the tracks between Cologne and Bonn are renewed, and a new signal box in Bonn is installed. The extensive measures mean that commuters have to expect significant restrictions in local and long-distance transport by the end of February 2025.

Several railway lines will be affected by the construction work. The RB48 between Cologne Central Station and Bonn-Mehlem from December 20, 2024 to January 3, 2025 is canceled. In addition, the RB30 and RB48 between Bonn Hauptbahnhof and Remagen from January 3 to January 10, 2025 are not available. The trains of the RE5 and RB26 are eliminated on the weekends of 4 and 5 January. From the second week of January there will also be failures of the RE5, RB26, RB30 and RB48 on the route between Bonn and Remagen until January 20. During the last phase of the construction work, these trains are not in operation by February 27, 2025.

passenger information and replacement traffic

commuters are urgently asked to find out about their travel options in good time and, if necessary, switch to buses. Long-distance transport is particularly affected: ICE and IC trains have to run on the right side of the Rhine during the construction work. Hold in Andernach, Remagen, Bonn Hauptbahnhof and Cologne Central Station temporarily. Instead, the trains hold in Cologne Messe/Deutz and Bonn-Fuel.

residents along the affected sections of the route must also expect increased noise pollution. In the meantime, Deutsche Bahn plans various diversions and offers replacement buses for the affected routes to reduce the inconvenience for travelers.

In addition to this work, the railway also reports other upcoming construction projects, such as "https://www.derwesten.de/panorama/vermischtes/bahn-nrw-bau-bau-weiten-schienen-esse-koeln-koeln-duisbur-id-id-id-id-id-id-id-id-id-id.html"> darwesten.de reported. These are detours and failures that are carried out in September. Commuters should generally find out about possible delays and changes in their travel plans.