Between 4 September and 30 October 2026, Deutsche Bahn will close sections of its main line in the Ruhr region in two phases. Between Duisburg, Essen, Oberhausen and Düsseldorf, overhead lines, points and bridges, amongst other things, will be replaced. This will have a significant impact on commuters: there will be extensive diversions and train cancellations, and rail services will be replaced by bus services on many sections. The exact arrangements for individual services have not yet been finalised in some cases.

At the same time, there will also be closures over extended periods on sections of the A40 motorway in the central Ruhr region.