The Frankfurt/Main-Mannheim railway line will be closed for five months for the planned general renovation in 2024. The work should begin on July 15 of the year and be completed by Christmas 2024, as Deutsche Bahn announced on Thursday. Restrictions for customers could not be avoided, it said. The section is of great importance for the entire railway network. During the closure, long-distance and freight trains will be diverted, sometimes over a wide area. Buses are to replace up to 200 local trains a day.
The train route will be closed for five months – up to 200 trains will have to be replaced by buses
“We are aware that we are asking a lot of customers during the general renovation of the Riedbahn,” remarked Bahn board member Berthold Huber. However, they then benefited from better quality, punctuality and more attractive stations. “Persevering is also worthwhile because the Frankfurt/Main-Mannheim corridor will be spared major construction work for the next decade after the general renovation.”
The so-called Riedbahn is the first project in the planned general overhaul of Germany’s heavily used rail corridors from 2024 to 2030. With around 300 trains a day, according to Huber, the infrastructure is nowhere more stressed than on this section. With the renovation, this will become the “stability anchor” for the entire rail network.
During the closure, 1,200 control and safety systems are to be renewed, 152 switches, four level crossings and a good ten kilometers of noise protection walls. In addition, there will be new overtaking opportunities for trains and equipment for digital rail operations. 20 stations along the route will also be renovated.
Deutsche Bahn board promises: “Traffic will not collapse”
“Traffic will not collapse because of the closure,” assured Huber. “We’ll make the diversion routes fit beforehand so that they can accommodate additional trains.” In view of the planned duration of five months, she spoke of a record speed of the work. At the “Bahn Summit” in Berlin on Thursday, Huber spoke of a six-month blockage.