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Total closure between Hagen and Cologne: What commuters need to know now!
The Hagen-Cologne railway line will be closed for five months from February 2026. Replacement buses and diversions are planned.
Total closure between Hagen and Cologne: What commuters need to know now!
The anticipation of rail traffic in North Rhine-Westphalia will soon be put to the test. From February 6, 2026, the route between Hagen and Cologne will be completely closed for more than five months. This total closure affects both long-distance and regional traffic and is part of a large-scale renovation project by Deutsche Bahn. Loud Ruhr24 It will be necessary for commuting travelers to switch to replacement buses, as ICE and freight trains have to take detours.
This measure can be perceived by many as a challenge, as the route, which is one of the most important traffic axes in North Rhine-Westphalia, is heavily frequented and is often prone to disruptions. With more than 65 kilometers on which tracks and switches are being replaced, bridges are being repaired and twelve stations are being modernized, it is hoped that the traveler experience will be sustainably improved. The railway also plans to renew and digitally upgrade around 40 main routes nationwide by 2035, ten of which are in North Rhine-Westphalia.
A year of change
The year 2025 is considered a year of change in rail transport in North Rhine-Westphalia. How Local transport NRW reports, the planned construction projects are not only a necessity, but also an opportunity to remedy existing deficiencies and expand capacities. The goal is to take into account the increasing need for mobility. Travelers are encouraged to keep themselves well informed and consider using timetable apps and regular updates in order to be able to respond to the changes in the best possible way.
The challenges are great, but hopes for a more reliable rail network remain high. Alternatives such as bicycles or temporary home offices could be a solution for many commuters to bridge the construction period.
Sustainable mobility in focus
In this context, it is important that sustainable mobility development at the local level is not lost sight of. The Future Network Mobility NRW initiative pursues the goal of improving the quality of stay and quality of life in cities and villages with various programs. Offers to strengthen environmentally friendly means of transport are also part of the plan, as is the promotion of micromobility and automated driving, as on the website Future mobility network NRW is explained.
In this way, not only are the necessary conversion measures tackled, but awareness of sustainable transport planning is also raised. Rail transport could benefit from the upcoming measures and perhaps even represent a safe and environmentally friendly mobility alternative for future generations.