Potential Opposition to the RRX Can Be Registered until October 20th in Dusseldorf (Hellerhof, Benrath, Reisholz Areas)
Since August 21st, the plans for the expansion of the RRX line between Hellerhof and Reisholz have been publicly accessible as part of the Federal Railway Authority's (EBA) review process. This development encompasses Deutsche Bahn's project along with potential objections from citizens, local authorities, and nature conservation groups. The proposed upgrades include increasing the number of tracks from four to six, with two each designated for S-Bahn, RRX, and long-distance traffic.
Construction work is anticipated to entail extensive projects, such as the rebuilding of nine bridges, the complete renovation of one station (Benrather), and a cross-structure in Reisholz, which will necessitate meter-high noise protection walls. These developments promise improvements for passengers, as the RRX will run every 15 minutes between Cologne and Dortmund upon completion, ensuring increased punctuality. Additionally, the noise protection walls are expected to significantly reduce noise levels for residential areas.
Nine Bridges and Two Stations to be Rebuilt
The rebuilding of nine bridges, including Frankfurter Straße, Schwarzer Weg, Itterbach, Hildener Straße, Paulsmuhlenstraße, Forststraße, Bamberger Straße, Henkelstraße, and the Schlosspark, is a significant aspect of the project. Furthermore, the Benrather station will undergo a complete overhaul, with the tunnel at Paulsmuhlenstraße set to increase in size from three meters to nine meters in cooperation with the city. Residents can expect a 12-meter-high wall adjacent to their gardens due to the construction of the cross-structure in Reisholz.
However, the crossing structure in Reisholz must be built above ground instead of below due to cost considerations. The train stresses the construction's promise of quieter operation and will assess the potential inconvenience for residents, determining appropriate noise protection measures such as windows or fans. The train will bear the costs for these measures.
Opportunity for Objections
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The plans for this construction section were submitted to the EBA on February 9th, 2023, and the public can scrutinize the documents until September 20th, 2023. Objections must be submitted to the EBA during this period; the final deadline is October 20th. Once the EBA reviews these objections, they will ask the train for a statement if concerns arise. If there are no concerns, the EBA will grant the building permit.
Construction Timeline and Duration
Construction work on the first section between Reisholz and the main station is projected to begin within the next five years, with progress already underway between Wehrhahn and Unterrath. Construction in Benrath could start between 2028 and 2030, and the construction of the interchange structure in Reisholz alone is estimated to take five years. The railway aims to complete the RRX project in this area by 2035, provided all necessary permits are granted.
Alongside the RRX project, a citizens' initiative in the northern section of Düsseldorf, around Angermund, continues to advocate for a tunnel solution instead of noise barriers. For those affected by the project, Deutsche Bahn offers office hours to address any questions or concerns regarding the RRX line expansion. More information can be found here. A comprehensive overview of the entire planning process and citizen dialogues held so far can be found here.
The rebuilding of nine bridges, including Frankfurter Straße, Schwarzer Weg, Itterbach, Hildener Straße, Paulsmuhlenstraße, Forststraße, Bamberger Straße, Henkelstraße, and the Schlosspark, is a significant aspect of the project. Meanwhile, the finance sector might play a role in determining the construction method for the cross-structure in Reisholz, as the train will bear the costs for appropriate noise protection measures to mitigate inconvenience for residents.
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