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The Riedbahn between Frankfurt/Main and Mannheim is one of the busiest rail corridors in Germany, with more than 300 trains per day in regional, long-distance, and freight services. Due to aging infrastructure that is prone to disruptions, the line saw a comprehensive general refurbishment from mid-July to mid-December 2024. During this period, long-distance and freight trains were rerouted, and regional rail services were replaced by 150 new, highly modern intercity and articulated buses.

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A look behind the scenes

As part of this huge Deutsche Bahn (DB) project, SWIETELSKY was proud to help shape DB’s future with the team's expertise. The SWIETELSKY team brought extensive knowledge and skills to make the Riedbahn a flagship project. Thanks to the new approach of bundled, cross-trade renewal during a full line closure lasting several months, an enormous construction volume was completed in a short time.

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Innovative Strength for Better Rail

Together with DB, SWIETELSKY completely renewed the SOUTH lot between Mannheim and Biblis in just 120 days. On the 27 km section, 53 km of track were renewed and the ballast bed was cleaned on 32 km; 39 switches were replaced; 54 km of overhead contact wire were newly tensioned; more than 2 km of noise barriers were  built; 3 culverts  renewed; 3 railway overpasses and 8 stations refurbished. The scope of these measures far exceeded that of a conventional project carried out under ongoing rail operations in a comparable time frame.

SWIETELSKY'S commitment was evident in every aspect of this project. The rail construction team wants to improve and build better. That’s why SWIETELSKY relies on state-of-the-art technologies and collaborative ways of working to make the Riedbahn ready for the future.

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A new beginning for rail construction

For WIETELSKY, this project marked the start of a new era in German rail construction. With innovative methods and a highly motivated team, SWIETELSKY helps to significantly reduce disruptions on the Riedbahn and create a modern, accessible line.

A special thank-you goes to the outstanding railway construction team. Their tireless dedication, enthusiasm for innovation, and expertise make projects like this possible. This is how SWIETELSKY creates modern, future-proof infrastructure and shapes tomorrow’s mobility.

 

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Video General Refurbishment