Re-Opening Railway Line 2400 Between Düsseldorf and Essen

After a landslide near Hösel in January 2024 and the resulting closure, the regional train line S6 has been opened again on 14 December 2025 – almost half a year earlier than planned. Comprehensive protective and modernisation measures were implemented to durably stabilise and technically upgrade the connection between Essen, Kettwig, Hösel and Düsseldorf.

To secure the slope, around 7,300 m2 on the right side and around 1,500 m2 on the left side of the railway were stabilised by micro piles and wire mesh. At the very instable area, an additional safeguard was erected at the slopes foot: a 46-metre-long retaining wall, founded on a bored pile wall made of 32 piles. Moreover, around 600 metres of track superstructure and overhead cables were renewed.

In addition, a gravel trough was created to absorb rainwater from the southern slope and to drain it off via a natural incline, and a cross connection to the cascading elements was built. To guarantee stability in the future, a gabion wall was erected which secures the loose rock embankment and prevents future slope movement.

SSF Ingenieure was contracted for railway construction supervision, on-site construction supervision, geotechnical supervision as well as safety and health coordination.

The constructive and trusting collaboration between all project participants significantly contributed to completing the project in an efficient manner.

Invited by DB AG, on 13 December 2025 we were on board for a special drive – the first regular drive since the closure. It was a nice moment for us to experience the results of our joint work directly on the line and to celebrate the completion of the project.