Extensive construction work will disrupt rail service on the Hochrheinbahn line between Basel, Switzerland, and Waldshut-Tiengen, Germany, beginning Monday, March 23, 2026. Deutsche Bahn (DB) has announced a complete, temporary closure of sections of the line to facilitate upgrades to signaling technology and track infrastructure.
The initial phase of the disruption, from March 23rd to March 29th, will affect service between Grenzach, Germany, and Waldshut. Starting on Thursday, March 26th, the closure will extend to include the section originating in Basel. Affected lines include the RE 3 and RB 30 regional express and regional train services.
During the closure, DB will implement a rail replacement service utilizing buses to maintain connectivity for passengers. Travelers are advised to allow for significantly longer journey times and to check their connections in advance.
These works represent preliminary steps ahead of a larger, more extensive shutdown planned to begin at the end of April. That phase will include the construction of level crossings and further infrastructure adjustments. Simultaneously, DB will use the current disruption to carry out maintenance work on the section of the Hochrheinbahn between Albbruck and Waldshut.
Beyond these immediate repairs, DB is undertaking a broader project to electrify the entire Hochrheinbahn line, with completion currently scheduled for the end of 2027. This electrification project aims to upgrade the Basel–Baden rail link, according to RailTech.com.
Passengers are strongly encouraged to verify their travel plans before commencing journeys, given the potential for significant delays and alterations to scheduled services.