Autumn and early summer span a duration of 95 days for Season 11
Breaking News: S11 Track Closure Impacting Bergisch Gladbach to Cologne Commuters
Beginning November 7, 2025, and lasting until July 3, 2026, residents of Bergisch Gladbach will face a year-long disruption in S-Bahn service to Cologne due to construction on the second track for the S11. Additional closures are planned for late autumn 2025 and early summer 2026.
The CDU and Greens have introduced a motion in the Kreistag’s traffic committee, urging the district administration to collaborate with the Zweckverband go.Rheinland, the city of Cologne, and regional transport companies. Their goal is to develop a comprehensive replacement and supplementary concept to address the anticipated strain on traffic during the closure.
The motion highlights the necessity of a reliable and fast rail replacement service between the S-Bahn station in Bergisch Gladbach and suitable connecting points in Cologne, ideally including the Cologne-Thielenbruch city rail stop. Additionally, it proposes expanding the E-bike system hire stations in the Rheinisch-Bergisch district, connecting Thielenbruch and Mülheim stations, and implementing a quick bus system with direct line guidance to the Cologne city center.
The transport committee has unanimously approved the motion, and the district administration is seeking appropriate solutions. The most significant role in addressing this issue lies with the transport association go.Rheinland. The planning approval process for the expansion of the S11 line with a second track and an enlarged station in Bergisch Gladbach is still ongoing, and no party involved has specified when construction will commence.
Planning for alternative traffic solutions during the track closure is essential to maintain public trust in public transportation. Strategies typically include traffic rerouting, public transportation enhancements, promoting alternative modes of transport, and single-track operations. It is crucial for commuters to stay informed as details about these solutions become available.
The CDU and Greens have called for collaboration with the finance and industry sectors to secure funding for a comprehensive traffic solution, aiming to reduce the impact of the S11 track closure on commuters. This could potentially involve investments in a reliable and fast rail replacement service, expansion of the E-bike system, and a quick bus system.
The ongoing construction on the second track for the S11, affecting transportation between Bergisch Gladbach and Cologne, has highlighted the need for innovative financial strategies in the industry to ensure the smooth operation of public transportation during such disruptions.
