#Large-scale projects 26 September 2023

Successful Completion of the Rhein-Ruhr-Express (RRX) Project

The challenging Rhein-Ruhr-Express (RRX) project has been successfully completed. The section between Leverkusen and Langenfeld was reopened at the end of September 2023. Our teams from the Overhead Line Department in SPITZKE’s Equipment/​Electrical Engineering business unit have carried out tremendous work in recent months. The circumstances and challenges demanded excellent collaboration between various trades and teams from across Germany working in the Rhein-Main region.

Since 2021, our specialists have been working on the Rhein-Ruhr-Express project, where we have been responsible for the renewal of the overhead line systems in planning approval section (PFA) 1.2 between Leverkusen-Chempark and Leverkusen-Küppersteg, as well as PFA 1.3 between Leverkusen-Rheindorf and Langenfeld-Berghausen. These sections are part of the large-scale Rhein-Ruhr-Express project, which aims to newly establish rail traffic between Cologne and Dortmund by 2030. This ambitious plan involves creating a 15-minute frequency between the two metropolitan areas in the Ruhr region and providing more direct connections for millions of passengers.

Challenges Overcome Through Teamwork

One of the many challenges was the large number of trades and construction firms simultaneously operating within the construction area. This resulted in a particularly high demand for coordination and space, which had to be carefully managed. Given that the performance periods for this massive infrastructure project were extremely condensed, unforeseen events impacted many tasks and deliverables. Not to be overlooked were supply bottlenecks, which added to the difficulties.

“All the more thanks go to everyone involved who pushed themselves to the limit and thus guaranteed the success,” says Dirk Bergen, Head of our Bochum Competence Center West. First and foremost, the overhead line team from Bochum must be acknowledged. Our specialist foundation engineers from the Leer branch and the overhead line crew from Großbeeren can be just as proud of their achievements. The OLA teams from the Central Competence Center, the Buchloe branch, and the dispatch department were also involved. The purchasing, logistics, contract management departments, and the Bochum construction yard also contributed to our success. Last but not least, the project preparation team from Großbeeren, along with the colleagues from our manufacturing subsidiary MuR-STAHLBAU, were instrumental in the success of the Rhein-Ruhr-Express project. A big thank you to everyone who gave their best!