- Rail service has been restored on the Rhine Valley Railway line.
Trains Back on Track on Rheintalbahn Route After Three-Week Hiatus
Following a three-week halt between Rastatt and Baden-Baden, one of Germany's major north-south rail arteries, the Rheintalbahn, is once again operational. German Railways (DB) confirmed this development over the weekend, successfully completing the construction work within the stipulated time frame. The rail service thanked its long-distance and regional travelers for their tolerance during the construction period. Initially, there were issues with replacement transportation, particularly at the commencement of the work suspension.
Significant Milestone for Tunnel Project
During the construction period, approximately two kilometers of track between Rastatt and Baden-Baden underwent a makeover. This transformation enabled the tracks emanating from the Rastatt tunnel to connect with the Rheintalbahn. Various infrastructural investments were made, including track renewals and installations of new switches. This development is observed as another key step toward the operationalization of the railway tunnel as per rail service.
Additional Restrictions in Regional Traffic
Passengers in regional traffic can still anticipate obstacles in September. Until 9th September, 5:00 AM, railway works continue in Durmersheim and Rastatt, as well as in Rastatt and Baden-Baden, involving modifications to structures, signal boxes, and switches. Consequently, passengers traveling on RE 2 and RE 7 lines between Karlsruhe and Offenburg must accommodate timetable modifications, such as delays, cancellations, and alternative transportation, including substitute buses on occasion, as per rail service.
Trains on RE 40, RB 41, and RB 44 lines will be replaced by buses from Karlsruhe main station to at least Rastatt. On 8th September, all regional trains between Rastatt and Baden-Baden will be suspended for the whole day. Alternative bus services will be provided. Relevant information can be obtained from the travel advisory section on the railway's website and app. The rail service recommends setting aside extra time for journeys and considering earlier connections if necessary.
Construction Work to Continue for Years
Work on the section between the new tunnel and the Rheintalbahn connection is set to continue until next year. The tunnel's inauguration is scheduled for the end of 2026, with no subsequent closures required.
After the initial closure, there was widespread discontent: Vehicle availability was deemed insufficient, while passengers complained about inadequate signage for replacement transportation. Freight trains also complained about the unintended detour via France. As per the rail service, complications on the freight route were soon resolved.
Freight is transported through this over 170-year-old route between the North Sea ports, significant west German industrial areas, Switzerland, and North Italy. The ongoing four-track system is expected to be completed by 2035, but the comprehensive renovation of the Rheintalbahn will not be concluded until 2041.
The North-south route disruption between Rastatt and Baden-Baden, affecting the Rheintalbahn, resulted in challenges for freight trains, as they had to navigate an unintended detour via France.
Now that the North-south route, specifically the two kilometers between Rastatt and Baden-Baden, has undergone renovations, the Rheintalbahn is once again a vital north-south rail artery in Germany.
