Cologne main station closed for 10 days: major construction site for new signal box!

Cologne main station closed for 10 days: major construction site for new signal box!

The modernization of Cologne Central Station is in full swing - an issue that directly affects many travelers and commuters. Deutsche Bahn has announced that from Friday, November 14th, from 9 p.m. to Monday, November 24th, until 5 a.m., the regional and long-distance train tracks will be completely closed. The reason for this is the commissioning of the second construction stage of a new electronic signal box, which is scheduled to officially begin operations on November 24th. This reports T Online.

The measures during this closure are comprehensive: dismantling 217 old signals and installing 53 new signals are on the agenda. A total of 176 new signals will be installed and around 208 kilometers of cable will be laid. In addition, eleven new signal bridges and two switches will be replaced, which will create first-class conditions for smooth train operations. This affects all regional traffic, so travelers must expect major restrictions, except during the connecting lines S 12 and S 19 on the night of November 18th to 19th.

Important information for travelers

Deutsche Bahn asks passengers to use alternative S-Bahn and Cologne transport companies (KVB) lines. It is important to note that diversions and partial cancellations may occur during this time. Particularly affected are the regional express lines RE 1, RE 5 and RE 6, which are being rerouted via Neuss and Leverkusen and are having no stops at Cologne central station. There are also changes in long-distance transport, with ICE trains to Aachen and Brussels stopping in Cologne-Ehrenfeld.

An additional service is offered at Cologne Central Station and in the surrounding stations: numerous service staff are deployed there to help travelers through the changes. Detailed timetable changes will also be made available via the online information systems approximately two weeks before construction begins and will be posted on the platforms. The information is planned to be made available from mid-October, added German railway.

Long-term benefits for train traffic

The entire modernization measure is part of a large-scale renovation program that includes investments totaling around 360 million euros. These investments are intended to improve technology and infrastructure not only in Cologne, but also in other cities such as Bonn, Mülheim and Roisdorf. Overall, Deutsche Bahn aims to increase the efficiency and reliability of train traffic by introducing modern interlockings and signaling technology, according to information from Rosbach Hesse.

This comprehensive work is designed to ensure that Cologne Central Station can better control around 1,300 trains per day in the future. While the modernization is in full swing, the railway asks for patience and understanding for potential inconveniences. The goal is clear: better and safer train traffic for all Cologne residents and their visitors.