Four-track Hanau–Gelnhausen expansion is under construction

Deutsche Bahn is expanding the roughly 23 km, densely populated stretch through the Kinzig Valley (Hanau, Hanau-Wolfgang, Hailer-Meerholz, Gelnhausen) from two/three tracks to four continuous tracks, raising line speed from 160 to 230 km/h. Main construction has been underway since early 2024 while the line stays in operation (about 350 trains/day); more than 30 km of noise barriers and barrier-free stations are also being built. Per the project site, overall completion is planned for 2036, with individual sections expected to finish earlier. Update (10 Apr 2026): Work on the second of five construction sections (Hailer and Meerholz) began in October 2025, including a step-free rebuild of Hailer-Meerholz station and a new farm-track bridge; a public information event on 29 Jan 2026 drew about 160 visitors. During the Easter-holiday closure in 2026 the Am Bruchweg bridge in Gelnhausen was demolished and seven switches are being replaced at Wolfgang station; regular Hanau–Fulda services resume on 13 Apr 2026, and further closures in 2026 are to be shorter and more localised (LOK Report, 10 Apr 2026).