Construction work between Essen and Dortmund leads to restrictions on train services
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is continuing its infrastructure modernisation in the Ruhr region. Between 28 February and 25 April 2025, extensive construction work will be bundled on the line between Dortmund and Essen in order to renew tracks, points and platforms and make preparations for the RRX expansion in Bochum.
Modernisation offensive: Deutsche Bahn bundles construction projects between Dortmund and Essen
The construction project at a glance
- Track work in Dortmund: rails, sleepers and ballast are being replaced over a distance of almost 13 kilometres. Three points are also being replaced.
- Track modernisation in Bochum: Around 11 kilometres of track are being replaced between Bochum Central Station and Bochum-Wattenscheid.
- Extension at Bochum Central Station: As part of the RRX extension, a platform is being extended beyond Wittener Straße to enable faster entrances and exits. At the same time, bridge work and explosive ordnance investigations are being carried out.
- Explosive ordnance investigations in Wattenscheid: As part of the planned extension of the pedestrian subway, possible explosive ordnance in the track area is being probed.
- Switch and track work in Essen: Around 1,600 metres of track are being renewed and a switch replaced at Essen Central Station.
Effects on rail traffic
The line between Essen and Dortmund will be closed for the construction work.
Affected lines at a glance:
Rerouted lines:
- RE 1: Diversion between Dortmund Hbf and Essen Hbf via Herne, no stops in Bochum Hbf and Wattenscheid.
- Alternative: U 35 between Bochum Hbf and Herne.
- Additional cancelled stops between Dortmund Hbf and Hamm (Westf) Hbf, only stop in Kamen.
- Alternative: RE 3 during the day, replacement buses in the evening.
Lines with partial cancellations:
- RE 6: Cancellations between Essen Hbf and Dortmund Hbf.
- Trains from Düsseldorf terminate at Essen Hbf, no stop at Mülheim (Ruhr) Hbf.
- Trains from Minden terminate at Dortmund Hbf.
- RE 11: No stop between Duisburg Hbf and Dortmund Hbf.
- Trains from Düsseldorf terminate at Oberhausen Hbf.
- Trains from Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe terminate at Dortmund Hbf.
- RE 16: Cancelled between Essen Hbf and Hagen Hbf.
- RB 40: Cancelled between Essen Hbf and Witten Hbf.
- RE 41 & RB 46: No service between Bochum West and Bochum Hbf.
Lines with scheduled service:
- RB 32: Regular service between Duisburg Hbf and Gelsenkirchen Hbf, then continuing as S 2.
- S 1:
- Monday to Friday: Scheduled service between Dortmund Hbf and Essen Hbf.
- Saturday and Sunday: replacement buses instead of trains.
- S 2: Service between Essen Hbf and Dortmund Hbf, change required at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Replacement service:
- All day: Buses between Essen Hbf, Wattenscheid, Bochum Hbf and Dortmund Hbf.
- Evening: Extension of the replacement service to Hamm (Westf) Hbf with all intermediate stops
- All day: Buses to replace the RE16/RB40 between Essen Hbf and Witten Hbf
- Additionally at weekends:
- Replacement buses for S 1 between Essen-Steele and Dortmund Hbf.
- In the evening and night hours SEV taxis between Essen-Steele-Ost and Essen Hbf.
Note: There may be further night-time closures on some sections. Please check the current timetables.
Passenger information
The changed timetables are already available in the digital information media. Information is available at zuginfo.nrw can be called up.
Outlook: A further construction phase is planned on this route in autumn 2025. Details will be announced in good time.