Commencement of extensive High Rhine rail line project, requiring shutdown from 2026 onwards
The High Rhine Railway project, a significant rail management initiative in the southwest, is set to undergo a major expansion involving the state and the districts of Lörrach and Waldshut. This expansion aims to enhance connectivity between South Baden, Lake Constance, and North and East Switzerland.
The expansion project officially begins today, with the High Rhine Railway between Basel and Erzingen set for expansion. The project is expected to be completed by December 2027, marking the end of the era of diesel trains on this southernmost stretch of track.
Closures on the railway are planned from 2026. From April 2022, the High Rhine Railway will be closed between Rheinfelden and Erzingen, with passengers having to switch to buses in this section. The section between Waldshut station and Erzingen is expected to reopen to rail traffic in March 2023, while the section between Rheinfelden and Waldshut is expected to reopen in July 2027.
DB Board member Berthold Huber and Baden-Württemberg's Minister of Transport, Winfried Hermann (Greens), are expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony. The completion of the reconstruction of the Hochrheinstrecke between Basel and Erzingen will be accompanied by these key figures, although no other specific individuals are named in the available sources. However, Ronald Heil is noted as the project manager for the Hochrheinbahn project, and representatives such as Sven Hantel (DB Baden-Württemberg), Christian Becker (DB Netz), and Gert Hager (Mayor of Pforzheim) have been involved in related DB infrastructure projects in the region.
The expansion project is expected to cost approximately 434 million euros. Switzerland is contributing 50 million francs (around 53.6 million euros) to the project. The track in the Germany-Switzerland border area will be electrified by the end of 2027, increasing the proportion of electrified rail tracks in the southwest from the current 70% to 72% by the end of the decade.
Modern trains will run on the tracks once the expansion is complete. DB promises more comfort for passengers and fewer emissions with the new overhead line. However, the closure of the High Rhine Railway is expected to significantly affect people in the region, with some trains between Waldshut station and Erzingen being cancelled, with buses serving as replacements during the expansion.
Information events have been held over the years regarding the construction-related closure of the High Rhine Railway. The expansion is expected to enable more connections between South Baden, Lake Constance, and North and East Switzerland, making travel more efficient and convenient for residents and tourists alike.
In summary, the High Rhine Railway expansion project is a significant development for the southwest, promising improved connectivity, increased comfort, and reduced emissions. While the closure of the railway may cause temporary inconvenience, the benefits of the expansion are expected to outweigh these short-term challenges.
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