Bahnchaos in NRW: train failures and diversions until February 2025!

Bahnchaos in NRW: train failures and diversions until February 2025!

An important railway line in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) has been restricted for one month since January 20, 2025. The blocking is expected to continue until February 21, 2025 and affects a total of seven train lines. The reason for the restrictions are comprehensive construction work, which includes the conversion of the Düsseldorf-Wehrhahn S-Bahn station and the renewal of the Rather Broich railway bridge. The completion of the work and the completion of the new station building in Düsseldorf-Wehrhahn are planned for 2027. During this time there are also preparations for the expansion of the Rhein-Ruhr-Express (RRX) in Düsseldorf-Unterrath and Flingern, such as Ruhr24 reported.

The construction work has already led to considerable delays and failures in local and long-distance transport among many train travelers. According to a report by 24rhein , the accessible lines are not affected by the restrictions. The regional trains RE1 and RE5 go according to plan, while the RE3 between Oberhausen Hbf and Düsseldorf Hbf is complete.

affected train lines

An overview of the lines concerned shows the extent of the disabilities:

• re1 and re5: drive according to plan.
• re3: fails between Oberhausen Hbf and Düsseldorf Hbf.
• re6: is diverted between Neuss Hbf and Duisburg Hbf; Keep in Bilk, Düsseldorf Hbf and Düsseldorf Airport.
• RE11: ends at the Düsseldorf airport terminal.
• re19: is diverted between Düsseldorf Hbf and Duisburg Hbf; Stop at Düsseldorf Airport.
• S1: fails between Düsseldorf Hbf and Düsseldorf-Unterrath.
• S6: bound between Düsseldorf Hbf and Ratingen Ost without stopover; In the evening, the line on this section fails without replacement.
• S11: fails between Düsseldorf Hbf and Düsseldorf airport.

Long -term effects

The effects of the construction work are not only limited to the current closures. Larger construction projects in North Rhine -Westphalia have the potential to influence train traffic for a long time. From 2025 to 2030, a total of ten long -term full closures of important train routes will take place in NRW. These developments were described in Nahverkehr-nrw.de as part of a comprehensive change in rail traffic.

In this context, there is hope for a more reliable rail network in North Rhine-Westphalia. The planned projects are intended to fix existing defects and expand the capacities in order to meet the increasing need for mobility. Travelers are advised to inform themselves well by using timetable apps and regularly checking updates. Alternatives such as switching to the bike or the temporary use of home office could also be considered.

Deutsche Bahn recommends using online information systems to find alternative connections and to adapt the travel planning accordingly. Despite the current challenges, the approach is clear: 2025 could be the year of change for rail traffic in NRW.