High-performance corridor Hagen – Unna – Hamm

The dates shown are legally non-binding forecasts based on the current status. The forecasts are in no way intended to establish any kind of legal claim whatsoever that completion will take place by the specified date and that use will be possible. For these reasons, the information should also not be used to make or prepare business decisions, for example, but not conclusively, with regard to the vehicle equipment or the compatibility between the vehicles and the infrastructure. If you have any questions, particularly regarding technical network access or obtaining binding information, please contact your customer advisor.

Most of the infrastructure projects are still in the planning phase, which means that the information provided on these pages reflects the current planning status and is updated regularly.

The high-performance corridor (HLN-corridor) from Hagen via Unna to Hamm plays a key role in connecting NRW to the rail network and provides a direct link between the Cologne and Ruhr metropolitan regions and northern Germany and Berlin. Due to its strategic location and great importance, the renewal and expansion of the infrastructure along this corridor is of great relevance.

Digitale Schiene Deutschland is responsible for the ETCS and interlocking equipment in the HLN corridor. The LST layout standards, which specify and describe the equipment of the HLN corridor, will be reviewed in the course of the new equipment with ETCS and integrated where possible (LST). The main objective is always the implementation of the European Train Control Systems (ETCS) to ensure interoperability. In conjunction with the planned block adjustments, this modern train control system enables more precise monitoring of trains, faster reaction times and greater line capacity. This will allow more trains to run on the existing rail network, improving the punctuality and reliability of rail traffic. The project also includes the upgrading of the Global System for Mobile Communications - Railway (GSM-R), which is required as the mobile communications standard for train control by ETCS. The modernisation and optimisation of this system will ensure reliable and secure communication along the route.

The project begins behind Hagen main station on route 2550, runs via routes 2840 (Schwerte station – Heide branch) and 2103 (Holzwickede station – Unna station) and ends with route 2932 on the line in front of Hamm main station. The area under consideration has a length of approx. 56 km. ETCS is being introduced as an additional train control system. This will enable more robust operation. The previous train control system, "Punktförmige Zugbeeinflussung" (PZB), will function as a fallback level until further notice and will then be completely replaced by ETCS.

As part of the project, cables will be laid for the ETCS trackside equipment and the control units, such as signals, will be replaced. The existing interlockings in the Hagen area will be replaced by a DSTW and in the Hamm area by an electronic interlocking (ESTW). Further infrastructural measures, such as new points, will be implemented in other projects as part of the general refurbishment of the HLN-corridor.

In a parallel project, the Hamm electronic interlocking (ESTW, 2nd construction stage) is being built at the same time in the Hamm network. The Hagen network is currently home to the central ESTW (ESTW-Z) Hagen with sub-center 1 (UZ1) and sub-center 2 (UZ2). In this area, the relevant line sections will be removed from the ESTW-Z and the construction of a new digital interlocking (DSTW, 1st construction stage) will be initiated. The DSTW forms the basis of the ETCS equipment on these line sections.