Holiday chaos on the rails in Höxter
The Rehberg tunnel near Altenbeken on the rail line connecting Paderborn and Hannover will undergo construction from August 11, 2025, until September 13, 2025. This construction work includes the repair of the tunnel vault and roadway, which will impact several rail services [1].
Impact on Commuters
During the construction period, the Rehberg tunnel will be temporarily closed or partially blocked, affecting the direct rail connection over the route Horn-Bad Meinberg - Detmold - Lage - Herford/Bielefeld. This disruption will impact the S-Bahn Hannover Line 5 (S5) as well as regional services RB 84/85 that use this tunnel [1].
Travel Alternatives
For journeys involving Bielefeld or Herford, travelers should use rail replacement bus services. The Deutsche Bahn app provides updates and schedules for these [1]. From Detmold, bus lines 772 and 776 run regularly (about 25 minutes) to Bad Meinberg Busbahnhof. From Paderborn, hourly buses connect to Horn Busbahnhof or Horn-Bad Meinberg station [1].
For passengers arriving by train near Altenbeken, the nearest unaffected station is Steinheim (Westfalen) on the S5 Hannover Flughafen–Paderborn route [1]. Longer distance travelers are advised to use the west-east rail connection via Dortmund – Hamm – Hannover or Kassel, changing at Altenbeken [1]. Some services may offer pickup by car on request from nearby stations (e.g., 9 km from Altenbeken) [1].
Timeline
The construction and resulting disruption are planned for summer and autumn 2025. Exact dates should be verified closer to travel dates via the Deutsche Bahn website or app for the latest timetable and service changes [1].
For detailed, real-time updates including timetable changes and shuttle bus schedules, travelers should consult the official Deutsche Bahn information and use their app for notifications [1].
Additional Information
The investment program by Deutsche Bahn aims to improve the reliability, safety, and stability of regional transport. This program includes various projects, but specific details about the construction of the Rehberg tunnel or the use of replacement buses on the S5 line are not mentioned in this paragraph [1]. Over 35 million euros will be invested in expansion and modernization of regional transport in Ostwestfalen-Lippe [1].
The construction work will lead to considerable restrictions and chaos, especially during the holiday season. Level crossings will be modernized, and tracks will be renewed in various sections of Ostwestfalen-Lippe [1]. The regional lines Eggebahn RB84 and RB85 will also be affected, with replacement buses running between Höxter-Ottbergen and Altenbeken [1].
The journey time from Steinheim to Paderborn by replacement bus will take approximately 55 minutes, compared to the usual 29 minutes by train [1]. Commuters are advised to regularly check current timetables online, allow time for possible delays, and consider alternative connections, carpooling, or lines [1].
Sources: [1] Deutsche Bahn (2025). [Announcement of construction work on Rehberg tunnel]. Retrieved from www.deutschebahn.com/en/service/current-information
The construction work on the Rehberg tunnel in August 2025 will require the temporary closure or partial blockage of this tunnel, leading to changes in the S-Bahn Hannover Line 5 (S5) and regional services RB 84/85 that utilize it. Residents and travelers may need to rely on 'of a kind used' rail replacement bus services, as provided by Deutsche Bahn, to continue their journeys during this period. In the industry of finance and transportation, it is essential for commuters and passengers to be aware of these changes and plan their routes accordingly.
