Hürth/Kalscheuren – Koblenz (HLN-Corridor)

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 network corridor (HLN-corridor) from Cologne via Bonn to Koblenz is an important transport axis between the Cologne metropolitan region and southern Germany. 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 equipment on the Hürth/Kalscheuren section of the HLN corridor near Cologne to Koblenz and the new construction of the interlocking infrastructure. 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 in Hürth/Kalscheuren on route 2630 in the direction of Koblenz and equips the section of line up to the Bonn Neuer Weg depot. In particular, this will take place in the areas of the Brühl, Sechtem/ Roisdorf and Bonn central station and Bonn Mehlem interlockings. The area in question has a length of approx. 37 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 SpDrS60 interlockings will be replaced by  new electronic interlockings (ESTW Brühl, ESTW Sechtem/Roisdorf, ESTW Bonn central station) . The conversion of the interlocking technology is necessary to enable the ETCS equipment. Further infrastructural measures, such as new points, will be implemented in other projects as part of the general refurbishment of the HLN corridor. The interlockings will be operated by the planned BSO in Bonn, whose commissioning date is also scheduled for 2028.