Deutsche Bahn completes general renovation of the Emmerich–Oberhausen line

Between Oberhausen and Emmerich am Rhein (the German border with the Netherlands), DB InfraGO carried out a general renovation of the line from November 2024 to May 2026, with sections repeatedly closed for construction. The goals are a third track, a speed increase to 200 km/h, and ETCS signalling to connect with the Dutch Betuweroute; between Friedrichsfeld and Wesel only one track remained usable at times due to embankment reinforcement work for the canal bridge. Full completion of the three-track expansion extends beyond the general renovation phase itself. Update (13 Jan 2026): DB InfraGO puts the cost of the Emmerich–Oberhausen general overhaul, including a risk buffer, at EUR 65 million, which includes EUR 7 million of its own funds (federal government reply, 21/3460). For 2021 to 2024, the reply lists 9,759 m of track, two switches and 3,152 sleepers renewed within the general overhaul, plus 300 km of tamping work with heavy machinery. (LOK Report, 13 Jan 2026)