DB reopens Erft Valley line after flood destruction

Deutsche Bahn put the S 23 line between Euskirchen and Bad Münstereifel back into service on 14 December 2025, about four and a half years after the 2021 floods. On roughly 13 km, 9,100 m of rail were laid, two bridges rebuilt, one refurbished and five stations renewed or upgraded. Electrification continues in parallel (212 of 219 catenary masts erected), is due to be finished by the end of 2028 and will still require some section closures (LOK Report, 15 Dec 2025).