Massive train failures in Cologne: construction work by May 2025!

Massive train failures in Cologne: construction work by May 2025!

On May 2, a significant renovation begins in Cologne Central Station and the Left Rhine region, which will have a significant impact on rail traffic. According to WZ , the Deutsche Bahn preparations for the new electronic signal box (ESTW) "Linker Rhein" hits. In recent years, 400 kilometers of cables have already been installed and 200 new signals have been installed.

The blocking period extends from May 2, 9 p.m. to 7 p.m., 5 a.m. During this time, the new system is commissioned, with old signals and systems that are no longer required. A total of 15 new signals still have to be installed, and the ESTW is connected to nine marginal stations. From May 19, the new system is to control the trains in Cologne and the left bank of the Rhine and aim to increase the reliability and punctuality of train traffic.

timetable changes and replacement traffic

The construction measures mentioned mean that the stop in Cologne for trains towards Aachen, Brussels and Paris is eliminated and that they are diverted via Krefeld. Trains from Amsterdam only keep Messe/Deutz in Cologne, while Sprinter trains from Bonn to Cologne and Berlin are eliminated. Lines RE 1, RE 5, RE 8, RE 12, RE 22, RB 24, RB 26, RB 27, RB 30, RB 38, RB 48, S 12, S 19 and S 23 are affected for regional transport.

To meet the traveler, a replacement of rails is set up with over 100 articular buses. In addition, service staff at the train stations in Cologne, Horrem, Bonn and Euskirchen are deployed to offer rail customers.

long -term investments in the infrastructure

The current modernization is part of a comprehensive investment program that also includes the development of further signal boxes. As Deutsche Bahn modernized. In addition to the ESTW "Left Rhein", the ESTW in Cologne Hbf and the ESTW Bonn-Bad Godesberg are also being rebuilt. Around 110 million euros flow into the ESTW "Left Rhein" alone, while around 160 million euros are invested in the ESTW Köln Hbf.

These conversions are an answer to the challenges of more and more denser train traffic. The new technology is intended to reduce susceptibility to interference and at the same time increase flexibility. Apart from the work on the left Rhine, the plan also includes a complete route between Bonn and Cologne, which will already have an impact on traffic in August this year.

Deutsche Bahn asks all travelers for understanding for the associated impairments and announces that timetable changes are published two weeks before the construction work in the online information systems and at the train stations.