Starting on 10 July 2026, DB InfraGO will carry out a comprehensive major renovation of the right bank Rhine railway line between Troisdorf and Wiesbaden. To carry out the construction works, the line will be completely closed to rail traffic in both directions until mid-December 2026. The measures are part of an extensive infrastructure programme aimed at the long-term modernisation and stabilisation of one of Europe’s most important rail corridors.
Impact on rail freight transport
During the closure, freight traffic on the western north-south corridor will be largely rerouted via the left bank Rhine railway line and, in some cases, via the Siegen – Haiger – Frankfurt corridor. Due to the longer routes, additional operational requirements and increased network utilisation, longer transit times are to be expected.
In order to accommodate the additional freight traffic on the diversion routes, local passenger services on these alternative routes will be reduced. Nevertheless, exceptionally high route capacity utilisation is expected both on the left bank Rhine railway line and on the diversion routes via Siegen.
Additional challenges caused by further construction projects
The challenges will be further intensified by additional infrastructure works across the German rail network. These include, among others, extensive restrictions in the Fulda area between 11 July and 30 July 2026, which will require further diversions. As a result, the number of available alternative routes as well as the operational reserve capacities within the network will be reduced.
In a highly interconnected European rail system, even minor disruptions or capacity bottlenecks can affect numerous transport chains. Against this background, increased operational complexity must be expected throughout the entire construction period. Delays or even cancellations cannot therefore be ruled out.
Affected train services
The restrictions will directly affect, in particular, our services on the following routes:
- Rotterdam/Antwerp – Basel
- Rotterdam/Antwerp – Weil am Rhein
- Rotterdam – Wörth
- Rotterdam – Mannheim
- Rotterdam/Antwerp – Frankfurt/Main
- Duisburg – Pomezia
For these connections, we must expect longer transport times and reduced operational flexibility during the construction period.
Our measures to safeguard transport quality
To mitigate the expected restrictions as effectively as possible, we have carried out extensive preparations together with our partners. These include, in particular:
- intensified monitoring of transport operations,
- continuous coordination with our traction partners and the affected terminals,
- ongoing adjustment of transport planning to the current operational situation.
Our aim is to keep the impact on your transport chains to a minimum and to ensure a high level of reliability despite these exceptional circumstances.
Outlook
Despite intensive preparation by all parties involved, many effects will only become apparent during ongoing operations. Additional obstacles affecting the direct and indirect infrastructure, short-term capacity bottlenecks and further operational restrictions cannot currently be completely ruled out.
We therefore kindly ask for your understanding, patience and trust throughout the entire construction period. Our teams will continuously monitor the situation and keep you informed of significant developments at an early stage.
Should you have any questions, your usual contacts will be happy to assist you at any time.
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