Construction work stops trains: Emden and Norddeich in a state of emergency!

Construction work stops trains: Emden and Norddeich in a state of emergency!

The railway line between Emden and Norddeich has been completely closed for two weeks since Monday, September 29, 2025. The reason for this is necessary construction work on the tracks. Both the IC trains and the Regional Express (RE) are affected, with the work expected to last until October 13, 2025. This is reported by NDR, with the affected connections, particularly those of the RE1 regional express from Hanover to Norddeich Mole, ending or starting from Emden. Stations such as Norddeich Mole, Norddeich, Norden and Marienhafe cannot be served during this time.

With the start of the autumn holidays approaching in some federal states, the situation is becoming particularly unfortunate for many travelers. The construction work comes at a time when many families are traveling and could significantly disrupt their plans. In addition, trains will be canceled between Norddeich and Bad Zwischenahn from October 3rd to 5th. This means that travelers should be prepared for restrictions between the train stations in Emden, Leer, Augustfehn, Westerstede-Ocholt and Bad Zwischenahn, as the NWZ reports online.

Diversions and alternative traffic

On the long autumn weekend, October 4th and 5th, IC trains that run from Cologne via Münster and Emden to Norddeich Mole will already end in Oldenburg. A replacement bus service will be set up for all of these diversions and cancellations. However, travelers must expect a considerable delay. The bus journey from Bad Zwischenahn to Norddeich takes around two hours and 40 minutes - compared to the train, which only takes one hour and 26 minutes.

The express buses, which run between Bad Zwischenahn and Emden without stopping, are said to be around 20 minutes faster, but bicycles cannot be taken on the replacement buses, which is an additional disadvantage for many cyclists. Travelers are encouraged to check their connections and connections in the DB Navigator app or website to avoid inconvenience.

Criticism of the preliminary planning of the construction work

This extensive track work is taking place as part of a new construction site concept known as “Building to Time” which aims to sustainably improve the infrastructure. This is intended to fundamentally increase the reliability and performance of the rail network in Germany. But the Lower Saxony state government has already expressed outrage about the preliminary planning and the impact on regional transport. The renovation is part of a comprehensive program by Deutsche Bahn that also affects other important connections in Germany, such as the general renovation of the Berlin-Hamburg route, which will also have far-reaching effects on many travelers, as Bahndampf reports.

The rail network is currently undergoing a large number of modernization measures and restructuring. The question remains whether such a focus by Deutsche Bahn on renovation projects can ensure mobility in rural regions in the long term. Critics warn that the often necessary diversions and delays will soon become the norm for many travelers.