S-Bahn expansion: Discussion on nature conservation in Bergisch Gladbach!

S-Bahn expansion: Discussion on nature conservation in Bergisch Gladbach!

Bergisch Gladbach, Deutschland - On June 11, 2025, the city of Bergisch Gladbach expects an important date that affects the expansion of the S11 in the section from Cologne-Kalk to the city center. The discussion dates of the Federal Railway Office (EBA) will take place in the Bergischer Löwe community center on Thursday and Friday. These dates start at 9.30 a.m., with the admission possible half an hour beforehand, and run through the day until on Thursday at 5 p.m. and on Friday at 2 p.m. Above all, objections, those affected by the rail expansion and people with submitted statements are invited. A special feature-the hearing is not public, which should be a disappointment for many interested listeners. https://www.ksta.de/region/rhein-berg-berg-gladbach/bergisch-gladbach-termin-zum-sbahn-am-im-berg-loewen-1041570

The expansion of the S11 is a big step to improve the traffic situation in the region. However, like every big building step, numerous aspects have to be observed here. During the consultations, nature conservation will play an important role, in particular the effects on the Thielenbruch FFH protection area, which is crossed by the railway line. Particularly endangered species such as fence lizards, various amphibians and various bird species are the focus of the discourses, since nature protectors are pushing for the preservation of the populations. https://www.eisenbahnbruecken-ehm.de/planung.html

complete inclusion of the public

The planning approval procedure, as is regulated by EBA, serves as a path to the building permit for rail projects. It ensures that all legal requirements are observed and both public and private interests are weighed. The planning process is carried out in several phases, from the basic determination to execution planning. In each of these steps there are public hearings and the possibility of raising objections, integral components of the procedure. https://www.eba.bund.de/de/themen/planfestlage/plestslage_node.html

Another aspect of expansion affects the effects on commuter traffic. The Duckterath commuter parking lot is unlocked during the 17-month full closure, which forces the city to look for a replacement urgently to prevent traffic collapse. In order to reduce the inconveniences for the commuters as much as possible, it is planned to put the construction work during the summer vacation. In addition, the city emphasizes that the effects of the full closure should be limited to a minimum. Efficient rail replacement traffic must be organized in good time. https://www.ksta.de/region/rhein-berg/bergisch-gladbach/bergisch-gladbach-termin-zum-s-bahn-im-bergische-11570

collaboration with the city

The development of the project also requires storage areas for the train in the industrial area on Kuhlerbusch, which means that the city must be informed in good time about lease areas. It is particularly important that facilities such as the daycare center in Gronau and the Gronau adventure playground are not endangered. In this context, the first deputy Ragnar Migenda and his colleagues have already submitted 48 information on the planning process to ensure carefree implementation.