Commuters in Erftstadt: Long detours and hassle due to railway renovation!

Commuters in Erftstadt: Long detours and hassle due to railway renovation!

Commuters from the region are facing challenging times: From the beginning of 2028, trains could no longer run on the connection between Euskirchen and Bonn to Cologne Central Station. The reason for this is the planned general renovation of the route, which also includes the renewal of four bridges in Cologne from mid-2028. The possibility of longer journey times is already causing excitement among commuters and citizens. Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports that commuters have to be prepared for significant detours.

The Green Party council group in Erftstadt in particular is not happy about the situation. In an open letter to Deutsche Bahn, she demands that alternatives to the long closure be examined. The planned diversions via the railway line on the right bank of the Rhine could lead to massive travel time extensions. Not only commuters from Erftstadt are affected, but also from Weilerswist, Euskirchen and the Eifel. A stop in Cologne South is particularly desired here, which would ensure a direct connection to the main train station. An efficient rail replacement service with direct buses to the center of Cologne is also on the wish list of those affected. The parliamentary group leader, Stephanie Bethmann, criticizes the current planning as unacceptable.

Current construction work and its effects

The situation is already getting worse, as the route between Euskirchen and Bonn Central Station will be completely closed from August 22nd to September 13th. The reason for this interruption is work to electrify the tracks. Commuters will then have to expect journey times of around 1 hour 45 minutes for the regular rail replacement service, as opposed to 40 minutes on the train. However, faster express lines are also available for travelers who are in a hurry. One connection only stops in Euskirchen, Meckenheim and Bonn and allows a journey time of just one hour, while another line runs from Rheinbach via Meckenheim to Bonn in around 35 minutes. WDR provides important information on this.

With the ongoing work and planned measures, Deutsche Bahn is in the middle of a major renovation program. By 2027, 53 billion euros will be invested to improve the rail infrastructure. Eight billion euros have been earmarked specifically for 13 general renovations. A key focus is on the renovation of existing infrastructure and the modernization of train stations, which should be made even more customer-friendly. [Deutsche Bahn](https://www.deutschebahn.com/de/presse/suche_Medienpakete/Sanierungprogramm-S3-DB- defines-Massnahme-fuer-bessere-Infrastruktur-bis-2027-13127506) makes it clear that these investments in the future of the railway lines are necessary in order to be able to transport travelers quickly and safely.

The challenges arising from the upcoming construction work are undisputed. It remains to be hoped that transport planning and those responsible will address the concerns of commuters and find viable alternatives to minimize travel times during the renovation. At a time when environmental protection and sustainable mobility are becoming increasingly important, we depend on a good public transport system that serves the needs of users.