Deutsche Bahn’s Riedbahn shuts down for three weeks of major upgrades in 2024
Deutsche Bahn is preparing for major upgrades on the Riedbahn, a key rail link between Frankfurt am Main and Mannheim. Work will start in early January 2024, with a full closure planned for three weeks. The renovations aim to modernise tracks, stations, and overhead lines along the busy route.
The first phase begins on January 1, 2024, at 11:00 PM, when the line between Frankfurt am Main and Mannheim shuts down completely. For 21 days, until January 22 at 4:00 AM, no trains will run on this stretch. Instead, Deutsche Bahn will reroute S-Bahn and regional services, while replacement buses will operate at least every 5 to 15 minutes. Over 1,000 bus trips per day—including local and express options—will help passengers reach their destinations.
During this period, long-distance ICE and IC trains will face delays. Some services will terminate early in Frankfurt or Mannheim, while others will run at reduced speeds. Longer trains with extra seating will also be introduced on alternative routes to ease congestion.
The main event starts on July 15, 2024, and is set to finish by December 2024. Crews will replace five kilometres of track, overhead lines, and noise barriers between Zeppelinheim and Mörfelden-Walldorf. Zeppelinheim station itself will get new platform canopies, lighting, and safety markings.
Freight trains, like passenger services, will be diverted onto other routes during the work. No specific operator has been named for these rerouted trash services.
The Riedbahn upgrades will bring improved infrastructure but also months of disruption. Passengers and freight operators must plan for delays, rerouted services, and replacement transport until the work concludes in late 2024. Deutsche Bahn has promised additional capacity and frequent bus connections to limit inconvenience.
