Procedure outlined in Article 93 (2) of the Treaty will be initiated by the Commission.
The Pegnitz-Hersbruck railway line in Bavaria, connecting the districts of Bayreuth and Nuremberg Land, has been closed indefinitely due to technical inspections and modernizations of several bridges in the Pegnitz valley. This unexpected closure has caused a ripple of criticism from regional leaders, including Bavaria's transport minister, Christian Bernreiter (CSU), and the district administrator of Nuremberg Land, Armin Kroder (Free Voters).
Bernreiter expressed his disappointment, stating that the closure could have been avoided if planning had been expedited in 2021. He went on to say, "If that's progress, then I can only say: Goodnight, Germany!" Kroder, too, voiced his concerns, calling the situation a "homegrown traffic catastrophe."
The closure affects regional trains 30, 31, 32, and 38, disrupting connections between Bayreuth, Pegnitz, Nuremberg, and Neuhaus. However, alternative transport solutions are in place. From Pegnitz, replacement buses will run hourly to Hersbruck. The connections Bayreuth - Nuremberg, Pegnitz - Nuremberg, and Neuhaus - Nuremberg will continue as announced.
The German railway company (DB) has acknowledged that the inspections and modernizations are complex due to the topography of the Pegnitz valley. Kroder further stated that the region and commuters are paying the price for the lack of investment in expansion and electrification. A prognosis for the duration of the line closure is not yet possible.
This closure serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and investing in our infrastructure to ensure smooth and reliable transportation for all. As the situation unfolds, updates will be provided to keep commuters informed.
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