Cologne Central Station: Ten days of standstill for the modern train network!

Cologne Central Station: Ten days of standstill for the modern train network!

Cologne Central Station will be almost completely closed for long-distance and regional traffic from November 14th at 9 p.m. until November 24th at 5 a.m. This is being done as part of extensive modernization work, which includes the introduction of new electronic interlockings and additional signals. Deutsche Bahn is investing around 360 million euros to improve the punctuality and reliability of train traffic in the region. 24rhein reports that the first stage of the new system has already been successfully put into operation, while the second stage is scheduled to start on November 24th.

The effects of the closure are extensive and affect both long-distance and regional transport. ICE trains towards Aachen and Brussels will be rerouted and will stop in Cologne-Ehrenfeld in the future, while trains to Amsterdam will stop at Köln Messe/Deutz station. For connections to Berlin there will be two-hourly direct trains to Cologne Messe/Deutz, but other connections are canceled. Similar restrictions apply to travelers to Frankfurt - direct connections between Cologne and Frankfurt are no longer applicable, and travelers must also travel to Cologne Messe/Deutz. Regional transport is also severely affected by the work, as numerous lines are being rerouted or partially canceled. Zeit emphasizes that the S-Bahn will also not run on the night of November 19th to 20th.

The need for modernization

Behind the scenes, work is being done on a future-proof rail infrastructure. Deutsche Bahn forecasts show that an increase in passenger and freight traffic can be expected by 2025. It is therefore essential to replace the existing old signaling technology with the new electronic interlocking (ESTW). This modernization will take place in two stages: The first stage, which affects S-Bahn traffic, was completed at the end of 2021, while the second stage for regional and long-distance traffic is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. [Cologne railway node](https://bahn node-koeln.deutschebahn.com/db/elektronische-stellwerke-estw.html) lists the advantages of the ESTW, which is less prone to failure and enables more flexible reactions to track closures.

In addition to the necessary structural changes, the Cologne transport company and the S-Bahn have taken measures to maintain mobility as much as possible during the closure. Additional service staff will be deployed at Cologne Central Station and at the Cologne Messe/Deutz, Cologne West and Cologne South interchange stations to help travelers find their way. A rail replacement service is planned for some nights to secure important connections.

At a glance: Affected connections

• ICE-Züge nach Aachen/Brüssel: Umleitung, Halt in Köln-Ehrenfeld.
• ICE-Züge nach Amsterdam: Halt in Köln Messe/Deutz.
• ICE-Züge nach Berlin: Zweistündliche Direktverbindungen nach Köln Messe/Deutz.
• ICE-Züge nach Frankfurt: Halt in Köln Messe/Deutz, Züge zwischen Köln und Frankfurt entfallen.
• RE 1 und RE 5: Umleitung über Neuss, Haltausfälle.
• RE 6: Umleitung über Leverkusen, Haltausfälle.
• RE 7: Umleitung über Düsseldorf, Haltausfälle.
• RE 8, RE 9, RE 22, RB 24, RB 26, RB 27, RB 38, RB 48: Teilausfälle oder Umleitungen.

The extensive modernization will significantly improve the quality of Cologne's rail transport and is an important step towards the digitalization of rail in Germany. From November 24th, the second construction stage of the new signal box will be put into operation, which will control around 1,300 trains and thus contribute to more reliable train traffic.