After an eight-week full closure of the Stuttgart S-Bahn core line, tracks, switches, escape routes and power lines are nearing renewal. There is also news from Baden-Württemberg regarding the strike in SWEG bus services and the Gäubahn debate.
Quick overview
This report is relevant primarily for rail travelers, as it may have concrete effects on planning, connections or infrastructure. The focus is on Stuttgart, S-Bahn, construction works, Gäubahn, public transport, strike, SWEG, severe weather and the district of Konstanz. The key points are summarized compactly below.
Key points
- The Stuttgart S-Bahn core line was closed for eight weeks; during this time, tracks, trackbed, switches, escape routes and power lines were renewed.
- For the first time, an overhead power rail was installed, which according to SWR is more expensive to purchase but is said to require less maintenance and be more reliable.
- Further full closures of the core line are to be expected by the time Stuttgart 21 goes into service around 2032.
- The ver.di union has called a warning strike at SWEG (Südwestdeutsche Landesverkehrs-GmbH); affected areas include Lahr, Offenburg, Kehl, Emmendingen, Weil am Rhein and Müllheim.
- The rail line between Stahringen and Stockach (district of Konstanz), which was closed due to severe weather, has been reopened; the lines RE3, RB31 and S61 were affected.
What this means for travelers
If you are traveling during the affected period, you should re-check connections shortly before departure, allow more time for transfers and have flexible alternatives ready. In particular, international journeys can quickly develop longer follow-on problems due to missed connections.
Context
The SWR news ticker for Baden-Württemberg takes a look on 09.09.2026 at several rail-relevant topics: the final phase of the core line renovation in Stuttgart, a warning strike at SWEG and the reopening of a line in the district of Konstanz that was closed due to severe weather.
What to watch now
- Check connections on the day of travel in the rail operator’s app.
- For important appointments, choose an earlier connection or alternative route.
- Keep receipts and delay information for possible refunds.