Railway reactivation in Merzig: Fears and Citizens' Protesters!
Railway reactivation in Merzig: Fears and Citizens' Protesters!
On May 9, 2025, it became known that the reactivation of the railway line between Merzig and Losheim am See will come across resistance. The Ministry of Mobility in Losheim presented a feasibility study that fueled the discussion in the political committees. The results of this study included the Merzig-Losheim route due to a positive cost-benefit ratio, which theoretically met the requirements for funding from the federal government. Despite these findings, the majority of the city council of Merzig and Losheim's municipal council spoke in favor of reactivation. The arguments against the reactivation were considered understandable, but there was no clear vote.
The concerns regarding reactivation are complex. The city of Merzig fears that the development of the former Villeroy & Boch area, which extends over 250,000 m², is negatively affected. According to the ministry, an additional level crossing is not possible, which would further hinder the development. Furthermore, the reactivation could increase the noise pollution for the residents, in particular through the planned half -hourly cycle and possible freight traffic, without active noise protection. Residents would have to take care of noise protection measures.
public transport situation and alternatives
The city administration pointed out further problems: the advantages of reactivation could replace the existing bus line R1, which would be a deterioration in public transport situation for citizens. A new bus system would also have to be financed financially by the district and the city. The proposal of a 30-minute cycle for the trains could also lead to traffic disruptions and higher costs for the necessary street conversion. This could further reduce the quality of life of the residents.
The estimated investment costs for reactivation amount to up to 49 million euros, although it is not excluded that the actual costs will be even higher. The financing of infrastructure measures and ongoing operating costs is unclear, which is an additional challenge. It was also pointed out that the reactivation could take place in 2040 at the earliest, since the railway line should remain closed up to this point.
In view of these complex challenges, the city of Merzig suggests alternative concepts. Instead of a railway reactivation, an expansion of a bike path and an alternative e-bus system are favored. The dialogue for the development of sustainable mobility solutions remains an open topic for Merzig. The Council of Ministers plans to make a definitive decision on the reactivation of possible railway lines before the summer break in 2025, but resources seem to be limited, which requires prioritization. The district council and the Council of Ministers are expected to decide otherwise than confirm the existing attitude.The discussion about the future of the Merzig railway line - Losheim raises the basic question: Was the rejection of the reactivation opportunities for a sustainable transport infrastructure may have been wasted? Local politics will certainly continue to employ this question.
Saarbrücker Zeitung reports on the political stance on this topic. The official statement of the city of Merzig on the rejection of reactivation can also be found in a message to Merzig.de . Additional information on the strategic planning of the railway infrastructure can be found in the document of Vienna .
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