Deutsche Bahn is building a new freight rail line between Offenburg and Müllheim and renewing bridges over the A5. From 22 August 2026, all four lanes will be routed over the carriageway toward Basel – the new traffic layout is expected to last until March 2027.
Quick overview
This news is primarily relevant for rail travelers, as it may have concrete impacts on planning, connections or infrastructure. The focus is on Deutsche Bahn, freight rail line, Karlsruhe–Basel, A5, construction works, bridge structure, Freiburg, Teningen and expansion. The key points are summarized concisely below.
Key points
- New traffic layout on the A5 between the Freiburg-Nord and Teningen interchanges from 22 August 2026.
- All four lanes will be routed over the carriageway toward Basel; the median strip has already been prepared for this.
- This phase of the traffic layout is expected to remain in place until March 2027.
- During this time, DB will build the first half of the new bridge structure over the Feuerbach beneath the carriageway toward Karlsruhe.
- The subsequent traffic switch will route traffic over the other carriageway, while the second half of the bridge is built.
What this means for travelers
For travelers, it is worth taking a closer look at the time period, route and booking conditions. The key question is whether the news already triggers concrete timetable changes or initially describes a political or strategic development.
Context
DB press release (Stuttgart, 18/08/2026, 09:00) on the Karlsruhe–Basel project: In the Riegel–March section, the new tracks run parallel to the A5. The new bridge construction over the Feuerbach (previously a culvert), along with an additional bridge for the new rail line, requires multi-year changing traffic layouts on the autobahn.
What to watch now
- Only check concrete timetable or construction notices once travel dates are set.
- Plan more generous connection times for international trips.
- Monitor the source and operator information in case dates are still provisional.