German railway works in Fulda cause widespread July disruptions

Deutsche Bahn will carry out a major switch replacement programme at the Fulda‑Bronnzell junction from 11 July to 30 July 2026. The project is split into three phases: preparatory work (11‑13 July night), main works (16‑27 July), and post‑work cleanup (27‑30 July night). The works affect the high‑speed corridor between Hannover and Würzburg as well as the Frankfurt‑Göttingen route.

Regional services will see partial cancellations on RE 50, RE 5, RB 51, RB 5 and RB 52 between mid‑July and late July. Long‑distance ICE and IC trains on Frankfurt‑Hamburg, Frankfurt‑Berlin and Frankfurt‑Paris routes will be diverted, with estimated additional travel times of about 60 minutes and the loss of stops in Fulda, Bad Hersfeld, Eisenach, Gotha and others. Passengers are urged to check timetables in advance and expect temporary noise and dust from the construction equipment.

The disruption is expected to affect thousands of daily travellers across central Germany, with Deutsche Bahn providing replacement concepts and real‑time information through its apps and website.