Bahn chaos in the Harz: train connections between Halberstadt and Goslar closed!

Bahn chaos in the Harz: train connections between Halberstadt and Goslar closed!

Currently there is a significant restriction in train traffic between Halberstadt, Wernigerode and Goslar in northern Germany. The route has been closed since Thursday, July 13, 2025, due to repair work on concrete thresholds. A replacement traffic on buses has been set up to support the commuters and travelers during this time. The route is expected to be released again on Wednesday afternoon, July 19, 2025. The repairs were originally planned by Friday, but the work could be completed faster than expected. MDR reports that the emerging state has deteriorated in regular inspection, which made an immediate blocking necessary.

A look at the background shows that these measures are part of a comprehensive program for inspection and exchange of concrete thresholds that started in summer 2022. The trigger was the tragic train accident in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on June 3, 2022, in which damaged concrete thresholds played a role. Since then, the DB group has exchanged over 1.7 million thresholds and plans to continue these initiatives in the next few years. According to DB Infrago has been tightened several times to monitor concrete thresholds to increase the increased To counter danger.

A look at the numbers illustrates the extent of the program: in 2023, 480,000 thresholds were planned, which is an enormous increase compared to the 80,000 annual. This creates over 400 additional construction sites in the rail network, which of course affects punctuality in train traffic. In affected sections, the trains have to drive slower for security reasons, and sometimes routes are closed before work begins to minimize risks.

The way to the future

Deutsche Bahn has also set up a circle of internal and external experts to check further preventive measures. In view of the relevant security aspects, it is also checked whether other systems of the rail infrastructure must be examined for possible risks. Independent examinations of the cause of the accident have also not yet been completed and continue to run together with the investigative authorities.

The measures are not only temporary solutions, but part of a long -term plan to increase safety in rail transport. The exchange and maintenance of the remaining rail infrastructure are top priority. After all, a safe and reliable rail traffic is the be -all and end -all for commuters and travelers in the region.