Construction Disruptions Affect VRR Train Lines in Summer 2025
Commission proposition sought for directive safeguarding laborers from radiation hazards induced by ionizing radiation.
Several train lines in the VRR (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr) area, particularly in the Bergisches Land and Wuppertal region, will experience construction-related disruptions during the summer of 2025. Here's a detailed summary of the affected lines and specific disruptions due to track, switch, and overhead line works.
Affected Train Lines:
- RE 4 (Wupper-Express)
- RE 7 (Rhein-Münsterland-Express)
- RE 13 (Maas-Wupper-Express)
- RB 48 (Rhein-Wupper-Bahn)
- S 1 (S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr)
- S 7 (S-Bahn Rhein-Münsterland)
- S 8 (S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr)
- S 9 (S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr)
- S 28 (S-Bahn Rhein-Ruhr)
Specific Disruptions in the Wuppertal Area:
1. Track and Switch Renewal Works
Major track and switch replacements are scheduled primarily around Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof and sections between Wuppertal-Vohwinkel and Wuppertal Steinbeck/Beyenburg. This work causes temporary closures of specific rail sections, requiring train services to be shortened, rerouted, or replaced by buses.
2. Overhead Line Renewal
Overhead line maintenance and renewal in certain sections near Wuppertal, including on the routes toward Solingen and Remscheid, affect electric train operations. Trains depending on overhead electricity may be substituted by diesel-hauled units or bus replacements on these stretches.
Line-Specific Impacts
RE 4 (Wupper-Express): - Partial cancellations or truncated runs between Dortmund and Wuppertal. - Bus replacements between Wuppertal and Remscheid or Solingen during intense construction phases.
RE 7 (Rhein-Münsterland-Express): - Possible delays and rerouting near Wuppertal due to track works. - Some trains may run only to Wuppertal or use alternative routes.
RE 13 (Maas-Wupper-Express): - Disruptions on the Wuppertal-Oberbarmen corridor due to overhead line works. - Bus replacement services are used between Wuppertal and Remscheid/Solingen.
RB 48 (Rhein-Wupper-Bahn): - Heavy interruption between Wuppertal and Remscheid. - Bus replacement services frequently deployed.
S 1: - Shortened services or replaced by buses between Wuppertal and Solingen/Bergisch Gladbach. - Station stops temporarily suspended at some smaller stops for safety.
S 7, S 8, S 9, S 28: - Scheduled service interruptions or reduced frequency around Wuppertal. - Temporary bus replacements on affected segments. - Some line segments may be rerouted or cut back temporarily.
Additional Notes:
- The disruptions are planned in specific blocks to minimize overall impact but expect longer journey times.
- Bus replacement services (Schienenersatzverkehr) operate extensively on affected segments.
- Travelers should check real-time VRR and Deutsche Bahn information for detailed daily updates.
During the construction periods, passengers of lines RE 4, RE 7, RE 13, RE 47, RE 49, RB 48, S 1, S 7, S 8, S 9, and S 28 will be affected. Specific date ranges and station-specific interruption info will be published by VRR and Deutsche Bahn closer to the construction periods and may be found through official timetables and service notices.
In addition, a fast bus (RE 47) will operate between Düsseldorf and Solingen without intermediate stops. The restriction will occur from Friday, August 22 (21:45) to Monday, August 25 (12:15), and again from Friday, August 29 (21:45) to Monday, September 1 (12:15). Construction works on several sections of the VRR area in Bergisches Land will take place from summer 2025.
Trains of line RE 7 will not run between Cologne Messe/Deutz and Hagen Hbf. Passengers are advised to use line RB 48 between Cologne and Solingen Hbf, and lines RE 4 and RE 13 between Wuppertal Hbf/Wuppertal Oberbarmen and Hagen Hbf. Buses will operate as a rail replacement service between Solingen Hbf and Wuppertal-Oberbarmen.
Trains of line S 28 will not run between Mettmann Stadtwald and Wuppertal Hbf, with buses operating as a rail replacement service. Trains of line RE 13 will not run between Düsseldorf Hbf and Wuppertal Hbf, with buses operating as a rail replacement service.
Trains of line RB 48 will not run between Solingen Hbf and Wuppertal-Oberbarmen, with buses operating as a rail replacement service. Trains of line S 8 towards Mönchengladbach will not run at minute :28 from Wuppertal-Oberbarmen to Wuppertal-Steinbeck. Other trains will run through. Some services may depart earlier from all stops. Buses will operate as a rail replacement service.
Train traffic will be restricted on various lines due to the works. Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly and check for updates on the VRR and Deutsche Bahn websites or mobile apps.
As a result of the construction disruptions in the VRR area during summer 2025, finance for public-transit systems might face increased expenses due to the extensive use of bus replacements for trains like RE 4 (Wupper-Express), RE 7 (Rhein-Münsterland-Express), RE 13 (Maas-Wupper-Express), RB 48 (Rhein-Wupper-Bahn), S 1, S 7, S 8, S 9, and S 28. The transportation industry could experience decreased efficiency due to the construction-related delays and rerouting.
