Riedbahn renewal to kick off the general overhaul of Germany’s rail network

The first step is the renewal of the Riedbahn corridor. With over 300 freight and passenger trains daily, this busy route is one of the most heavily used high-performance corridors in the German rail infrastructure. The maximum capacity utilization of the Riedbahn makes it a bottleneck in the rail network that is especially in need of an overhaul and upgrade. Following intense preparation and a three-week closure for prep work at the beginning of the year, the 70-kilometer link between Frankfurt am Main and Mannheim will undergo extensive modernization and renewal between July and November 2024.

Deutsche Bahn plans to update a large number of components and equipment during the extensive modernization of the line between Frankfurt and Mannheim. The aim is not only to modernize the current condition of the line, but to upgrade it as well.  

Specific measures include replacing 1,200 pieces of control-command and signaling equipment and renewing 152 switches and 117 kilometers of track. In addition, four railroad crossings and 140 kilometers of overhead lines are being modernized. More than 10 kilometers of noise barriers will be completely renewed in order to minimize the impact on residents and nature over the long term. The addition of three new crossovers is intended to increase the line’s capacity by creating alternative routes for trains running at the same time, thus offering multiple closely spaced crossover options along the entire route. Work will also take place on a disused railroad crossing and a railroad crossing replaced by a bridge. 

Special features of the Riedbahn

The overhaul of the Riedbahn corridor poses particular challenges for the companies involved. It is worth noting that the Riedbahn is a high-performance corridor, not a high-speed line. This means that railroad crossings, sidings and various small stations have an enormous impact on train operations. The number of potential sources of disruptions to daily train service and construction progress is therefore significantly higher than on a high-speed line.  

There are two continuous challenges that need to be factored in so that the engineering works can be planned and implemented on time. On the one hand, it is important to keep night-time freight traffic running as smoothly as possible and to make sure hazardous goods can safely reach their destination, for example. Daily acceptances and partial commissioning are planned so that this can be ensured. On the other hand, implementing electronic interlocking technology (ESTW) on the line at the same time as the general overhaul also poses a challenge. Modern electronic interlocking technology makes it possible to control and monitor outdoor equipment from far away. Centralization of signal boxes at one computer-based interlocking tower will therefore make it easier to monitor and manage large regional areas, and this is planned for the central interlocking towers in Mannheim-Waldhof, Gernsheim and Walldorf.  

We are looking to add to our team to actively support the ambitious general overhaul of the German rail network. DB E&C’s wide range of disciplines and current job openings can be found here.