Construction work and replacement services between Leipzig and Zwickau

Train travelers and commuters must be prepared for restrictions on the connection between Leipzig and Zwickau from next month. Due to construction work on the so-called Sachsen-Franken-Magistrale, the section from Neukieritzsch to Altenburg in eastern Thuringia will be closed from 10 p.m. on April 3 until the evening of May 17, as announced by Deutsche Bahn. This will affect the S5 and S5X lines. There will be timetable changes and train cancellations. A replacement bus service will be set up, it added.

Over 200 bridges in the focus of construction work

The reason for the line closure is the extensive renovation of the affected five-kilometre section of line, including new tracks, platforms, bridges, passenger tunnels, overhead line systems and noise barriers.

According to Deutsche Bahn, the Saxony-Franconia Main Line comprises a total of around 288 kilometers of rail network. It includes the Dresden - Hof and Leipzig - Werdau sections. As part of the renovation work on the line, 32 electronic interlockings will be installed and 223 bridges will be renewed or renovated. The aim is to increase the cruising speed of trains from 120 to 160 kilometers per hour and reduce travel times accordingly.