New Frankfurt–Mannheim line

A new double-track rail line is therefore being planned between Frankfurt and Mannheim under the project name “New Frankfurt–Mannheim Line”. It is part of the “Middle Rhine Corridor: Target Network I” and was defined as one of the most important projects within the scope of the Federal Transport Infrastructure Plan 2030. It represents a gap closure in the German and European rail transport network.

In this context, the section has an important dual role. For high-speed rail, it connects the high-speed lines Cologne–Rhine/Main and Mannheim– Stuttgart. Directing freight traffic onto the new line at night makes it part of the EU Rhine-Alpine Corridor, one of Europe’s main rail corridors, and reduces noise for communities along the existing line.

Design services using BIM methodology

The scope of work includes basic evaluation, initial planning, final design and planning for the building permit application for the control-command and signaling systems (interlockings, ETCS and railroad crossing safety systems) and overhead line equipment. BIM methodology will be used for some subsections.

The new line and another existing line in the area of the northern connection to Darmstadt are to be equipped with digital interlocking equipment. Existing electronic interlockings will be adapted at the beginning and end of the line. In addition, the relay interlocking at Darmstadt Main Station will be expanded for the southern connection. In future, the new line is to be equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, and the existing ETCS equipment in the connecting areas is to be adapted.

These measures should allow speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour in future and effectively contribute to a reduction in journey time between Frankfurt and Mannheim. The number of planned long-distance services between the two cities are expected to double in the future as a result. Regional and local transport services are also to be expanded on the existing lines in the future.