DB has set up a contingency programme to ensure that trains run smoothly on the completely renovated line between Frankfurt/Main and Mannheim from 15 December. During the commissioning process, operations will be monitored and supervised particularly closely, says Berthold Huber, DB Board Member for Infrastructure:
"The commissioning of the completely refurbished facilities is unbelievably complex. The dress rehearsal in January made that very clear. We have learned from it and developed a comprehensive preventive programme. It should ensure that trains run smoothly over the renewed line from day one after completion of the work. We are well prepared for all foreseeable risks."
The preventive measures include, among other things, special Riedbahn fault clearance teams. The internal and external employees, working 24 hours a day, can intervene directly and solve problems. DB also has material and construction machinery along the line, including a tamping machine. In addition, the winter maintenance service is also on standby. The renewal of all obsolete facilities is expected to reduce infrastructure-related disruptions on the line by more than 80 per cent in the future.
Trains are scheduled to run again on the completely renovated line between Frankfurt/Main and Mannheim from 15 December. Until then, long-distance and freight services will be running on diversion routes. DB has been replacing regional services with 150 replacement buses since the start of construction in mid-July.
The general refurbishment of the Riedbahn is part of the overall S3 programme for the structural restructuring of the DB Group over the next three years. The programme focuses on the rapid refurbishment of existing infrastructure. Following the example of the Riedbahn, a total of 1,500 kilometres of track are to be completely renovated by 2027.
