Road Congestion Expected Due to Accident - Riedbahn set for complete shutdown; preparations being made.
Starting mid-July, the train line connecting Frankfurt and Mannheim will shut down for a massive renovation project that's expected to last nearly five months. It's the first track in Germany to employ the new strategy of Deutsche Bahn, a makeover that includes upgrading tracks, switches, and platforms. This extensive work may prolong the need for such construction sites. According to estimates from railway officials, the revamp will set them back 1.3 billion euros.
Passengers can expect major limitations from mid-July until mid-December in Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, and even Rhineland-Palatinate. Expect longer travel times for long-range trains, some stations to cease operation, and disruptions in cargo transportation.
Instead of using the usual S- and regional trains on the Riedbahn, passengers will need to rely on replacement buses. The railway has purchased around 150 buses to accommodate over 1000 trips a day. Some buses will operate express services, while others will run on alternative routes like Frankfurt-Heidelberg and Mainz-Worms-Ludwigshafen. Regional traffic on these routes may also be limited. Longer trains will be used in certain areas, while buses take over in others.
Following criticism of initial plans during a dry run in January, the railway has revamped its strategy. Drivers' training sessions will be extended. They'll have access to tablets with navigation software. Passengers will receive real-time information about bus arrival and departure times. According to the railway, over 400 drivers have been recruited for this job, both in Germany and abroad.
