For the four-track expansion of the Rhine Valley Railway, DB is having the ground investigated over 31 kilometers along the A5 between Hohberg and Kenzingen. From October 5, 2026, around 1,350 boreholes are planned, expected to last until the end of 2027.
Quick overview
This report is primarily relevant for rail travelers, 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 work, and Baden-Württemberg. The key points are summarized compactly below.
Key points
- Start of ground investigations on October 5, 2026, with expected completion by the end of 2027.
- The investigation area extends 31 kilometers along the A5 motorway.
- A total of around 1,350 boreholes with depths of five to 35 meters; individual boreholes take one to five days.
- First boreholes in section 7.3 (Lahr–Mahlberg) near Kürzell and Grafenhausen, with sections 7.2 (Hohberg–Friesenheim) and 7.4 (Ettenheim–Kenzingen) also being drilled from the end of October.
- Several construction teams work in parallel with up to twelve drilling rigs; in some cases, paths may be briefly closed.
What this means for travelers
For travelers, it is worth taking a closer look at the timeframe, route, and booking conditions. The key question is whether the report already triggers concrete timetable changes or initially represents a political or strategic development.
Context
As part of the four-track expansion of the Rhine Valley Railway between Karlsruhe and Basel, freight traffic between Offenburg, Freiburg, and Müllheim is to be relocated onto a new route along the A5 in order to relieve local and long-distance services on the existing line.
What to watch now
- Only check specific timetable or construction information once travel dates are set.
- For international journeys, plan connection times more generously.
- Monitor the source and operator information in case dates are still provisional.