The ICE route between the Ruhr area and Berlin is one of the most important in Germany. Now the tracks are being replaced there – with time-consuming consequences for travelers.
Deutsche Bahn will begin extensive work on the ICE route between Hamm and Hanover at the end of the coming weeks. Long-distance trains will be rerouted for seven weeks. Especially in the first week from October 11th (9 p.m.) to October 18th, travelers have to plan significantly more time on the route from the Ruhr area to Hanover and Berlin. Long-distance trains do not stop in Bielefeld and several other cities during this time. There will then be minor restrictions until November 29th. In local transport, commuters have to use replacement buses.
The costs of the modernization project amounted to around 90 million euros, the railway said. Rails would be renewed over 35 kilometers between Hamm and Ahlen. A 650-tonne track reconstruction train is used, which can replace rails, sleepers and ballast in one operation. The railway also wants to renew two bridges.
Up to 75 minutes longer from the Ruhr area to Hanover
The construction work has noticeable consequences on the busy route. From the evening of October 11th, ICEs will be redirected via other routes between Hamm and Hanover without stopping until October 18th. The journey will take around 60 to 75 minutes longer than usual, the railway said. Bielefeld, Gütersloh, Herford and Minden will not be served by long-distance trains during this construction phase.
There will then be a smaller diversion until November 29th. Long-distance trains then do not stop in Herford and take 5 to 30 minutes longer due to the detour. ICs from Leipzig end in Hanover throughout the entire construction project and do not continue to Cologne and Frankfurt as usual.
It is best for travelers to find out about the effects online, the railway advised. The timetable changes have been entered into the online information systems. The years-long renovation backlog in the rail network is considered to be a main reason for the lack of reliability on the railway. Large renovation projects are therefore planned in numerous regions in the coming years.
Information about diversions
Source: Stern