Train passengers traveling between Hamburg and Kiel face severe delays, cancellations, and route alterations following a signal and interlocking failure near Eidelstedt, Deutsche Bahn reported. The disruption began shortly after 8 a.m. on Thursday, impacting regional and long-distance rail services across northern Germany.
Signal and Interlocking Failures Disrupt Hamburg-Kiel Rail Corridor
The technical failure at Eidelstedt brought significant portions of the northern rail network to a standstill. Deutsche Bahn classified the incident as a massive disruption to rail traffic, forcing widespread schedule adjustments. Repair crews deployed to the site immediately, with the rail operator estimating that repair work would continue until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday.
The disruption heavily impacts several major long-distance and regional connections. ECE trains operating between Hamburg and Denmark are canceled between Hamburg and Neumünster. Intercity Express (ICE) services running between Hamburg and Kiel, as well as between Hamburg and Westerland on the island of Sylt, are also suspended on the affected segments.
Regional Train Line Deviations and Alternative Routes
Commuters on the RE7 and RE70 lines, which run between Hamburg, Kiel, and Flensburg, bear the brunt of the cancellations. Deutsche Bahn adjusted the RE7 to operate only between Kiel and Neumünster, and between Flensburg and Neumünster. Passengers relying on this route are advised to switch to RE70 trains terminating in Pinneberg, where they can transfer to S-Bahn line S3 services into Hamburg.
Similarly, the RE6 line connecting Westerland and Altona currently starts and ends its journeys in Elmshorn. The rail operator recommends that passengers take the S-Bahn to Pinneberg and transfer to the RE70. Travelers journeying to and from Kiel are advised to utilize alternative routes via Lübeck.
Travel Delays and Passenger Information Resources
Current estimates put travel time delays at up to 45 minutes for affected routes. Deutsche Bahn directs passengers to check the DB Navigator app or visit bahn.de for real-time schedule updates. Regional customer service inquiries are available via telephone at 0431-5344-0500.
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