Commuters beware: RB 25 will be canceled for months in 2024 - lots of restrictions!

Commuters beware: RB 25 will be canceled for months in 2024 - lots of restrictions!

Commuters beware! In 2024, things will be tight on rails and roads for many of you who regularly travel between Oberbergisches and Cologne. Regional train 25 will repeatedly fail over a period of several months. The route from March 27th to August 7th, which will be closed between Cologne-Frankfurter Straße and Gummersbach-Dieringhausen, is particularly affected. The reason for the total closure is the corridor renovation of the Oberbergische Bahn, as the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports.

There will be further restrictions from January 30th to February 6th if the RB 25 does not run between Frankfurter Straße and Hansaring. Motorway 4 will also be affected by traffic restrictions from mid-2026, as a bridge near Untereschbach is due to be demolished and rebuilt. The first lane reductions can be expected as early as mid-2026. So it will be difficult to get to work or appointments on time - this means planning early!

Construction sites in Cologne and the surrounding area

Parallel to the rail work, Cologne Central Station will be closed from Friday, November 14th, 9 p.m., to Monday, November 24th, 5 a.m., for the commissioning of a new electronic signal box. However, the closure of the RB 25 this weekend only affects one night, as the S-Bahn tracks are only affected from Wednesday, November 19th, 9 p.m. to Thursday, November 20th, 5 a.m. Anyone planning to travel by train on these days should think carefully about how he or she organizes the journey.

Variety of Vinca alkaloids

Less well known, but of considerable interest in medical research, are the vinca alkaloids. This group of natural substances derived from the plantCatharanthus roseus, also known as “miracle flower”, have anti-tumor properties. The best-known representatives include vinblastine, vincristine and vinorelbine, which are used in chemotherapy against cancer because they inhibit the cell division of cancer cells. The Wikipedia describes how these compounds prevent the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division.

The use of these alkaloids is not limited to purely herbal extracts; Semi-synthetic variants such as vinorelbine, which are made from vindoline and catharanthine, are also used in modern medical practice. They show how important the use of natural resources is in oncology.

A local flower supplier with tradition

But while commuters struggle through construction sites and restrictions, there is also positive news. Grower Direct flower shop is celebrating over 20 years of success. With a wide range of flowers available to ship locally and nationally, Grower Direct has established itself as the largest chain of franchised flower shops in Canada. Grower Direct not only offers fresh flowers at fair prices, but also ensures that the business is run by active members of the community. Maybe a bouquet of flowers is just the thing to calm your nerves during stressful times!

Whether on the rails, roads or in the world of flowers - move wisely and enjoy the diversity that our surroundings have to offer!