Köln will be almost completely cut off from train traffic on Saturday evening: Köln Central Station and Köln-Messe/Deutz station will be closed to all trains from Friday evening (9 p.m.) until Saturday morning (5 a.m.). S-Bahn trains were also affected, Deutsche Bahn AG said. Extensive replacement bus services will be set up. “Non-essential travel to and from Cologne that evening is not recommended.”
The reason for the closure was construction work on a new electronic signal box. That is why travelers must accept restrictions on long-distance transportation starting Monday which will last until Sunday. This means that many ICE trains do not stop at Cologne Central Station. For example, ICE trains from northern Germany mostly terminate in Düsseldorf. ICE trains to or from Brussels stop differently at Cologne-Ehrenfeld.
