S-Bahn connection for Lörrach Central Hospital not in sight until 2035!

S-Bahn connection for Lörrach Central Hospital not in sight until 2035!

In Lörrach there is seething in the ranks of free voters who are calling for a provisional S-Bahn stop at the central hospital from 2026. However, an S-Bahn stop is currently not planned until 2035, when the double-track line between Riehen and Schopfheim is expanded. Before this expansion, the S-Bahn stop at the clinic remains an unfulfilled wish because lines 5 and 6 cannot meet in Steinen. The Free Voters' proposal stipulates that an S-Bahn should serve the clinic and another stop, possibly Schwarzwaldstrasse or Haagen-Messe, alternately. But the regional S-Bahn association considers this proposal to be impractical; an hourly frequency is not sufficient and buses must continue to run. If both S-Bahn trains arrive at the clinic, service would be possible every 30 minutes, although other stops would have to wait.

From December onwards, the central clinic will be served by regular buses. Britta Staub-Abt, head of department, reminded that connections to local public transport are also ensured by buses. Christa Rufer from the SPD suggests running city bus lines 6 and 16 to the clinic location in order to ensure a half-hourly service. Bernhard Escher from the CDU, on the other hand, is pushing for the S-Bahn to arrive regularly at the Schwarzwaldstrasse stop, which is primarily used by students.

New central clinic and mobility

The new central clinic will not only enrich the region from a medical perspective. The city of Lörrach is trying to improve accessibility with a planned “Entenbad” combination solution. This attractive location has the potential to significantly increase connectivity for residents in the district. In order to make space for the clinic, the L 138 road was relocated - a measure that became necessary as construction work progressed. The new route of the L 138 runs around 700 meters in an arc around the clinic and is supplemented by a new roundabout east of the clinic, which becomes the main access road.

The redesign of the infrastructure began in January 2020, when the groundbreaking ceremony for the new construction of the country road was held. The city of Lörrach took the opportunity during the Corona lockdowns to accelerate the relocation work. Now there is not only an illuminated footpath and cycle path to the entrance to Hauingen, but also cycling is encouraged. The city has set itself the goal of doubling the proportion of bicycle traffic by 2030, with the clinic being connected to the planned RS 7 cycle highway.

Public transport connections

The importance of local public transport (ÖPNV) in rural areas should not be underestimated. Not only does it attract commuters who want to get to their destinations without traffic jams, but it is also an important indicator of the overall quality of life. As in the current year 2025, in which the federal government is providing over 11 billion euros in regionalization funds and 2 billion euros in GVFG funds, the financing of public transport is primarily covered by public funding. Over 10% of the population in rural areas do not have access to their own car, making public transport an essential institution.

The connection to the central clinic could make a decisive contribution to improving the traffic situation in Lörrach and the surrounding area. It is therefore particularly important that these plans are implemented in a timely manner to meet the needs of citizens. Local public transport will therefore become a mainstay that not only affects health and economic aspects, but also promotes environmentally friendly mobility for the region.