Deutsche Bahn is launching extensive soil investigations along the A5 motorway on 5 October 2026 for the planned new freight rail line between Hohberg and Kenzingen. Across around 31 kilometres, approximately 1,350 boreholes are to be drilled by the end of 2027 to provide findings for the four-track expansion of the Rhine Valley Railway.
Quick overview
This report is particularly relevant for rail travellers, as it may have concrete effects on planning, connections or infrastructure. The focus is on Deutsche Bahn, freight rail line, Rhine Valley Railway, Karlsruhe–Basel, construction works, soil investigation, A5 and Baden-Württemberg. The key points are summarised concisely below.
Key points
- Soil investigations begin on 5 October 2026 and are expected to end in late 2027.
- A total of around 1,350 boreholes are planned over 31 kilometres along the A5 motorway.
- The boreholes will reach depths of five to 35 metres; each borehole takes one to five days.
- Initial work starts in project section 7.3 Lahr–Mahlberg near Kürzell and Grafenhausen.
- From the end of October, investigations will follow in Niederschopfheim (section 7.2) and Kenzingen (section 7.4).
What this means for travelers
For travellers, it is worth taking a close look at the timeframe, route and booking conditions. The key question is whether the report already triggers concrete timetable changes or whether it primarily describes a political or strategic development.
Context
As part of the four-track expansion of the Rhine Valley Railway between Karlsruhe and Basel, Deutsche Bahn is relocating freight traffic between Offenburg, Freiburg and Müllheim onto a new route along the A5. The ongoing soil investigations are part of the preparatory work for this infrastructure project.
What to watch now
- Only check concrete timetable or construction notices once travel dates are set.
- Allow more generous connection times for international journeys.
- Monitor the source and operator information in case dates are still provisional.