Slope Stabilisation at Railway Line between Düsseldorf and Essen

In January 2024, due to unusual heavy rain falls on the railway line between Düsseldorf and Essen in the area of Höseler Tunnel, a landslide occurred. Subsequently, the railway line, superstructure as well as overhead cables were heavily damaged. To resume operation at this section, it had to be made passable again, structurally secured and the drainage had to be adapted.

To stabilise the slope around 7,300 m² on the right side as well as around 1,500 m² on the left side of the tracks were stabilised by micro piles and wire mesh. At very unstable areas, the foot of the incline is additionally secured by a 46-metre-long retaining wall, founded on a bored pile wall made of 32 bored piles. Moreover, around 600 metres of superstructure including the overhead cables are replaced. A new cable pole will be installed as well.

The Federal Railway Authority gave planning permission in March 2025. Since mid-July remediation of the damages is underway. The first trains will pass again on 14/12/2025 after timetable modifications.