Ulm main station: Massive closure from January 2026 – commuters have to reschedule!

Ulm main station: Massive closure from January 2026 – commuters have to reschedule!

The course has been set for a major change in rail traffic: from January 13th to February 6th, 2026, Ulm main station will be completely closed due to extensive construction work. Around 40,000 people who get on and off here every day are affected. During this time there will be no train service at the main station, which means that numerous cancellations and restrictions on local and long-distance transport are to be expected. How Augsburger Allgemeine reported, it is unclear whether trains can pass the station, as Deutsche Bahn is currently still carrying out coordination on this.

The reasons for this far-reaching measure lie in the modernization of the signal box. The old relay signal box from 1967 is being replaced by a modern electronic signal box (ESTW). The Ulm city administration has actively campaigned to use existing stops in Ulm and Neu-Ulm to mitigate the effects of the closure. Possible end points for the trains include Ulm-Ost and Ulm-Söflingen. The train station in Neu-Ulm is also being examined as a terminus for some connections.

Extensive modernization

The planned work is no small undertaking: over 1,000 signaling devices will be installed, new switch connections and overhead lines will be added. Mayor Martin Ansbacher (SPD) has expressed his lack of understanding about the planned closure and is calling for alternatives or changed schedules. He points out that the closure comes during a phase in which Ulm's transport system is already being challenged by numerous large-scale projects.

Deutsche Bahn justifies the need for these measures with the intention of increasing the reliability of train traffic and minimizing disruptions and delays. As part of the “ProNetz” future program, the switch to digitally controlled signal boxes is being pushed forward - and not without reason. The majority of existing signal boxes are in poor condition, many of which are over 100 years old and manually operated. Investments in modern signal box technology are intended to increase the performance of the rail network German railway describes.

Preparing for lockdown

Buses will be available as rail replacement transport (SEV) for affected commuters and travelers during the closure. Details on diversions and the SEV are expected to be announced in October 2025. It is advisable to consider alternative routes and means of transport now to minimize inconvenience. This change poses a real challenge not only to Deutsche Bahn, but also to commuters - it is in the air that we should also look to the period after the closure with the aim of a better, more reliable train connection.

A lot will happen in the coming months, and those responsible are hoping that the work will be carried out smoothly in order to raise rail travel in the Ulm region to a new level.