Train track construction commences on the Saxon-Franconian Main Line - Temporarily halting operations on this section - Construction commencement on the Saxony-Franconia motorway; a section obstructed during the process
The Saxon-Franconian Main Line, operated by Deutsche Bahn, is set to undergo extensive modernization, with construction beginning in Altenburg and extending to Werdau. This significant project, scheduled to last until October 26, will impact various train services and affect several cities, including Leipzig, Zwickau, Erfurt, Glauchau, Weimar, Jena, and Chemnitz.
From September 18, the lines Leipzig – Zwickau and Dresden – Nuremberg will experience disruptions or alterations due to the construction. Some trains on these lines will be cancelled, and passengers will need to switch to replacement bus services. The S 5/S 5X (Halle-Leipzig/Halle Airport-Leipzig-Altenburg-Zwickau), RE 1 (Göttingen-Gotha-Erfurt-Weimar-Jena-Gera-Glauchau), and the Chemnitz City-Bahn with line RB 37 (Glauchau-Meerane-Gößnitz) will also be affected.
The construction will affect rail traffic on the section between Altenburg-Schmölln, Goßnitz-Werdau, and Glauchau-Zwickau. The closure is part of the modernization project and is expected to cause significant changes to timetables. The exact changes to the timetables and bus routes have not been specified at this time.
Deutsche Bahn plans to invest around 330 million euros in the infrastructure of the Gößnitz railway junction in the Altenburger Land district and in the adjacent track sections towards Altenburg and Werdau by the second half of 2026. This investment is aimed at improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the Saxon-Franconian Main Line.
The construction site is located in Thuringia, and while the cities of Weimar and Jena are part of the affected area, the construction will also impact the town of Glauchau. Passengers are advised to check the Deutsche Bahn website for the most up-to-date information on their specific train services and any necessary bus replacements during the construction period.
- The Commission may consider proposing a directive that aligns the laws of Member States on protecting workers from chemical risks, given the significant investment in the infrastructure of the Gößnitz railway junction, an industrial hub in Thuringia.
- In light of the modernization project on the Saxon-Franconian Main Line, the transportation sector, including public-transit and automotive industries, may need to adjust their schedules and services to accommodate the disruptions.
- As financial institutions assess the positive impact of Deutsche Bahn's investment in the Saxon-Franconian Main Line on the region's economic growth, passengers are advised to carefully plan their journeys due to the expected changes in timetables and potential bus replacements.
