Due to bridge works in Groß Quenstedt, the Dodendorf–Halberstadt section has been closed to rail traffic since 11 August 2026. Deutsche Bahn is setting up a rail replacement service with buses and asks passengers for patience.
Quick overview
This report is primarily relevant for rail travelers because it can have concrete effects on planning, connections or infrastructure. The focus is on Deutsche Bahn, bridge works, rail replacement service, Magdeburg, Halberstadt, construction site and DB InfraGO. The key points are summarized compactly below.
Key points
- The Dodendorf–Halberstadt section has been closed since 11 August 2026 until the start of operations on 22 September 2026; this is expected to be followed by the closure of Oschersleben–Halberstadt until 27 September 2026.
- The affected lines are RE11, RE21, RE31, RB43 and HBX.
- Between Dodendorf and Halberstadt, buses run hourly serving all intermediate stops except Nienhagen; Nienhagen is connected by minibus.
- In addition, hourly express buses run via the B 81 between Magdeburg and Halberstadt without intermediate stops.
- The reason is the construction of a new railway overpass over the Irrlandgraben in Groß Quenstedt by DB InfraGO, as the existing bridge has reached the end of its technical service life; on 11 August, there were short-notice service and information issues, with an update of the information media scheduled for the night of 12 August 2026.
What this means for travelers
For travelers, it is worth taking a close look at the period, route and booking conditions. It is crucial whether the report already triggers concrete timetable changes or initially describes a political or strategic development.
Context
DB InfraGO is replacing a railway bridge in Groß Quenstedt between Magdeburg and Halberstadt that has reached the end of its technical service life. The construction works affect several regional and express lines and require a multi-week rail replacement service with buses.
What to watch now
- Only check concrete timetable or construction notices once travel dates are set.
- Plan connecting times more generously for international journeys.
- Monitor the source and operator information in case dates are still provisional.