Koblenz–Stein-Säckingen railway line explained

Image Alt:Bridge with multiple spans over a blue river
Event1label:Electrification
Owner:Swiss Federal Railways
Linelength Km:26.1
Tracks:1
Linenumber:700
Electrification: overhead catenary
Map State:uncollapsed

The Koblenz–Stein-Säckingen railway line is a standard gauge railway line in the canton of Aargau in Switzerland. It runs from a junction with the Bözberg line at to Koblenz and a junction with the Turgi–Koblenz–Waldshut line. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) owns and operates the line.

Although the line forms part of the most direct route between Basel and Winterthur, through passenger service ended in 1994. The Basel S-Bahn operates as far east as Laufenburg. There are periodic discussions about restoring through passenger service over the entire route.

History

The Bötzberg Railway (German: [[Bötzbergbahn]]), a joint venture of the Swiss Northeastern Railway and Swiss Central Railway, opened the line on 1 August 1892. All three companies were incorporated into Swiss Federal Railways on its creation on 1 January 1902. The line was electrified at in 1944. Passenger service between Laufenburg and Koblenz ended on 28 May 1994.

Since the withdrawal of through passenger service in 1994, various localities have advocated for its reintroduction. One proposal would have regular InterRegio service between Basel and Winterthur, using this line and then the Winterthur–Bülach–Koblenz line east of Koblenz.[1] Supporters of the concept point to the growth potential of the Fricktal region and consider the replacement bus service inadequate.[2], neither the cantonal government nor the Federal Council has supported resuming service.[3]

Route

The line begins at, splitting off from the Bözberg line just east of the station. It is single-tracked with passing sidings. For most of its route it runs parallel to the High Rhine river. The only intermediate station that still sees service is Laufenburg, east of Stein-Säckingen. Laufenburg is the eastern terminus of passenger service over the line; from there to Koblenz it has been freight-only since 1994. Just outside Koblenz the Koblenz Aare railway bridge carries the line over the Aare river. After crossing the river, the line joins the Turgi–Koblenz–Waldshut line just south of Koblenz station.

Operation

SBB operates the S1 line of the Basel S-Bahn to Laufenburg, providing hourly service to . Further connections are available at ., most services are operated by multiple units.[4] There continues to be regular freight service over the route. PostAuto Schweiz operates bus services between Laufenburg and Koblenz.[5]

Notes and References

  1. News: Lainez . Stefanie Garcia . 1 October 2019 . Rheintallinie - Direkte Zugverbindung nach Basel: Das fordern zwei Zurzibieter Grossräte . de . Aargauer Zeitung . 7 April 2021.
  2. News: Böni . Nadine . 8 October 2018 . Fricktal/Zurzibiet - Wieder Personenzüge am Rhein von Koblenz nach Basel? Fricktaler Planungsverband unterstützt die Idee . de . . 7 April 2021.
  3. News: Probst . Louis . 1 February 2020 . Kanton Aargau/Laufenburg/Koblenz: Schweizer kämpfen um Bahnlinie zwischen Laufenburg und Koblenz . de . . 7 April 2021.
  4. Web site: Jahresformation . 7 April 2021 . data.sbb.ch . en.
  5. Web site: Netzplan Region Brugg . 13 December 2020 . 7 April 2021 . de . A-Welle.