Construction work in Cologne: KVB closes lines 16 and 17 for two weeks!

Construction work in Cologne: KVB closes lines 16 and 17 for two weeks!

The Cologne transport company (KVB) has a lot planned for the coming days. From Monday, October 13th, there will be drastic restrictions on light rail lines 16 and 17, which will last until October 22nd. The reason is extensive construction work, which is taking place primarily in the Wesseling area. This work includes the replacement of rails and switches as well as the renewal of the overhead line between Rodenkirchen and Marienburg. As Express reports, the districts of Rodenkirchen, Bayenthal and Marienburg are facing major challenges because they are partially dependent on the light rail system.

The closure of line 16 is particularly drastic: the route will be completely closed between Rodenkirchen and Hersel. Trains from Cologne city center end at the Rodenkirchen Bahnhof stop, while trains from Bonn stop in Hersel. From October 22nd, the closure will be extended and line 16 will end at Ubierring. For passengers, this means that they have to switch to replacement buses that are in use between Hersel and Rodenkirchen. The timetable for the replacement buses stipulates that they run every 20 minutes and take around 40 minutes, although this can vary. From Hersel to Ubierring, the journey time increases to around 51 minutes, so passengers should allow a little more time [t-online].

Overview of the limitations

• Linie 16: Vom 13. bis 22. Oktober: Sperrung zwischen Rodenkirchen und Hersel. Ab 22. Oktober: Ende an Ubierring.
• Linie 17: Pendelt nur zwischen Severinstraße und Bonner Wall, nicht bis Rodenkirchen.
• Ersatzverkehr: Busse zwischen Hersel und Rodenkirchen, ab 22. Oktober zusätzlich bis Ubierring.

The construction work is being carried out by Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln AG (HGK), and residents have been informed about possible noise pollution. The entire project is intended to help make KVB's infrastructure future-proof. It is part of a larger measure that will bring further improvements in transport connections following the extensive work on the Mülheim Bridge. Lines 13 and 18 were put back into operation from September 15th after the wind bearings were replaced and the bridge was renovated. The KVB has a good hand and invests in maintaining smooth local transport, even if this is associated with short-term inconveniences, as the city of Cologne explains in its press release, which also covered this construction work (stadt-koeln).

For the people of Cologne and Bonn, this means having more patience in the near future. However, those who use the free replacement buses can maintain a continuous connection between the affected districts. This means that mobility remains secured despite the construction work, which is particularly important during the autumn holiday season.