What is the official line number assigned to the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway?

The Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway is officially designated by the line number 2550. This number is used for identification and operational purposes within the German railway network.

In which German federal state is the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway line primarily located?

The Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway line is situated in the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This state is a significant industrial and transportation hub in western Germany.

What route numbers are associated with the services operating on the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway?

The route numbers associated with services on the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway are 425 and 485. These numbers likely correspond to specific operational designations for trains using this line.

What is the total length of the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway line?

The Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway line has a total length of 62 kilometers, which is equivalent to approximately 39 miles. This measurement covers the entire distance between the two cities.

What is the standard track gauge used on the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway?

The Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway utilizes a track gauge of 1,435 millimeters, which is commonly known as standard gauge. This is the predominant track gauge used across Germany and many other countries worldwide.

Describe the electrification system employed on the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway.

The railway is electrified using a 15 kV AC catenary system operating at a frequency of 16.7 Hz. This is the standard system for alternating current railway electrification in Germany, allowing electric trains to operate efficiently.

What is the primary role and historical significance of the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway?

The Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway is a vital main line in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, serving as a key corridor for freight trains connecting the Ruhr region with Belgium. It also accommodates regional passenger services and is recognized as one of Germany's oldest railway lines, having been opened between 1852 and 1854.

Which railway company was initially responsible for the construction of the Aachen–Mönchengladbach line?

The construction of the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway was initially undertaken by the Aachen-Düsseldorf-Ruhrort Railway Company. This entity played a significant role in the early development of rail infrastructure in western Germany.

During what period was the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway originally opened?

The Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway was opened in stages between the years 1852 and 1854. This phased opening allowed for the progressive integration of the line into the growing railway network.

Where does the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway line commence its route?

The line commences its route at Aachen Hauptbahnhof, which is the main railway station in Aachen. This central station serves as a major hub connecting various national and international rail services.

What important railway connections are available at Aachen Hauptbahnhof for this line?

At Aachen Hauptbahnhof, the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway connects with the line coming from Liège, Belgium, and also with the high-speed railway line that runs towards Cologne. These connections underscore the line's strategic importance for cross-border and high-speed rail traffic.

What is notable about the Aachen Schanz station in the context of this railway line?

Aachen Schanz station, which opened in 2004, is situated shortly after the line departs from Aachen Hauptbahnhof. Its relatively recent establishment indicates ongoing infrastructure development and modernization efforts in the Aachen area.

Which freight-only railway line branches off near Aachen West station?

The Montzen Railway branches off near Aachen West station. This line is exclusively utilized for freight trains traveling between Belgium and Germany, highlighting the main line's role in international freight transport.

How is the terrain described along the railway line as it passes through western Aachen?

As the railway line traverses western Aachen, it runs first on a high embankment and then proceeds through a deep cutting. This varied topography presented engineering challenges during the line's construction.

What was the historical function of the site where Richterich station once stood?

The site of the former Richterich station, now functioning only as a crossover, was historically a junction point for the 'Millions line' (Millionen linie). This line extended to Simpelveld in the Netherlands, indicating past cross-border rail connections.

What was required historically to assist heavy trains on the steep grade towards Kohlscheid station from Herzogenrath?

Historically, bank engines were necessary to push heavy trains up the steep grade from Herzogenrath to Kohlscheid station. This necessity points to the challenging gradients that existed on this section of the line.

Besides the main line, what other railway line historically originated near Kohlscheid station?

The Stolberg–Kohlscheid line, which is now largely dismantled, also originated from the vicinity of Kohlscheid station and extended towards Würselen. This suggests a more extensive historical rail network in the region than exists today.

What connections are available at Herzogenrath station along this route?

At Herzogenrath station, the line connects with the Stolberg–Herzogenrath line and the line heading to Heerlen in the Netherlands, which is operated by the euregiobahn. Additionally, there is a specific connection to the Saint-Gobain glass factory.

What significant river crossing is encountered on the line between Lindern and Brachelen?

Between Lindern and Brachelen, the railway line crosses the Rur river via a concrete bridge. This structure is part of the section where the line runs on a high embankment across the Rur's low-lying plain.

What unique feature did Baal station possess between 1911 and 1980?

Between 1911 and 1980, Baal station operated as a 'tower station' (Turmbahnhof), featuring two distinct levels. The lower level served the now largely disused Jülich–Dalheim line, while the upper level accommodated the platforms for the Aachen–Mönchengladbach line.

What geographical region does the railway traverse after passing through Baal station?

Following Baal station, the line crosses through a predominantly rural area known as the Erkelenzer Börde. This term, originating from the Westphalian dialect, refers to fertile lowlands.

Which railway lines branch off at the former Rheydt freight yard?

At the former Rheydt freight yard, two lines branch off: the now-closed Krefeld–Rheydt line and the Mönchengladbach freight bypass. The freight bypass is crucial for allowing freight trains to circumvent the busy main line section towards Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof.

What other significant railway line runs parallel to the Aachen–Mönchengladbach line between Rheydt freight yard and Rheydt Hauptbahnhof?

The Iron Rhine railway runs as a single track parallel to the Aachen–Mönchengladbach line in the section between Rheydt freight yard and Rheydt Hauptbahnhof. This parallel alignment indicates a shared corridor for important freight routes.

Which railway lines terminate at Rheydt Hauptbahnhof?

Both the line originating from Cologne and the line from Wegberg (part of the Iron Rhine) terminate at Rheydt Hauptbahnhof. This makes Rheydt a key junction where multiple rail routes converge.

What characterizes the final segment of the line leading into Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof?

The final segment of the line leading into Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof experiences dense traffic. This is due to the convergence of multiple lines, including those from Cologne and the Iron Rhine, necessitating careful traffic management.

What onward connections are available from Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof via this railway corridor?

From Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof, the railway corridor continues towards Duisburg via the Duisburg-Ruhrort–Mönchengladbach line, and towards Düsseldorf, Wuppertal, Hagen, and Dortmund via the Mönchengladbach–Düsseldorf line. This establishes Mönchengladbach as a significant node for onward rail travel.

What was the original name of the company that initially planned the route for this railway?

The company that initially planned the route was the Aachen-Neuss-Düsseldorf Railway Company (Aachen-Neuss-Düsseldorfer Eisenbahn-Gesellschaft). It secured a concession from the Prussian government in 1846 for the construction of a line connecting Aachen, Neuss, and Düsseldorf.

What financial difficulties impacted the early railway companies involved in this line's development?

Both the Aachen-Neuss-Düsseldorf Railway Company and the Ruhrort-Crefeld District Gladbach Railway Company faced significant financial difficulties shortly after commencing construction. These financial struggles ultimately led to their consolidation.

How were the financial challenges of the initial railway companies resolved through consolidation?

In 1850, the two financially struggling companies were merged and taken over, forming the Royal Division of the Aachen-Düsseldorf-Ruhrort Railway Company (Königliche Direction der Aachen-Düsseldorf-Ruhrorter Eisenbahn). This consolidation aimed to ensure the completion of the planned railway infrastructure.

What were the specific sections and their opening dates for the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway?

The line was opened in distinct sections: Mönchengladbach to Rheydt on August 12, 1852; Rheydt to Herzogenrath on November 12, 1852; and Herzogenrath to Aachen on January 17, 1853. These dates represent the progressive completion and operationalization of the entire route.

Which companies operated the line following its initial construction and opening?

The Aachen-Düsseldorf-Ruhrort Railway Company operated the line from its opening in 1854 until December 31, 1865. Subsequently, on January 1, 1866, the Bergisch-Märkische Railway Company (BME), which was predominantly owned by the Prussian government, assumed control of the line's assets.

What was the original terminus station in Aachen before the construction of the current Hauptbahnhof?

The original terminus station in Aachen was Aachen Marschierthor station, situated near the historic Marschier gate. This station, along with the former Aachen Rhenish Station, was replaced by the new Aachen Hauptbahnhof when it was built in 1905.

What infrastructural changes occurred in 1910 related to Aachen Templerbend station?

In 1910, Aachen Templerbend station was demolished. It was replaced by Aachen West station, which was established on a relocated section of the railway track as part of infrastructure adjustments within the city.

What technological advancement was implemented in 2007 affecting the section between Übach-Palenberg and Rheydt Hauptbahnhof?

In 2007, the track section between Übach-Palenberg and Rheydt Hauptbahnhof was integrated with an electronic interlocking system located in Grevenbroich. This modernization enhanced the efficiency and safety of train operations.

What type of signals were replaced by modern Ks signals during the 2006-2007 modernization efforts on the line?

During 2006 and 2007, the last remaining semaphore signals were replaced with modern Ks signals. This occurred in Lindern station and along the track between Herrath and Rheydt Hauptbahnhof, as well as at Aachen Hauptbahnhof in 2007.

Which stations along the line underwent renovation as part of the modernization efforts around 2007?

The stations located in Wickrath, Übach-Palenberg, and Erkelenz were renovated as part of the modernization initiatives around 2007. These upgrades aimed to improve passenger facilities and station infrastructure.

What significant signaling upgrade took place at Aachen Hauptbahnhof in 2007?

In 2007, Aachen Hauptbahnhof saw the installation of a new electronic interlocking system. Concurrently, the older color light signals were replaced with the modern Ks signal system, enhancing operational control and safety.

Which company is responsible for operating the regional passenger services on the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway?

DB Regio NRW, a regional subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, operates the regional passenger services on the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway. They manage services like the Wupper-Express and Rhein-Niers-Bahn.

What is the designation and frequency of the Regional-Express service operating on this line?

The hourly Wupper-Express, designated as RE 4, is the Regional-Express service that runs on this line. This service provides relatively fast connections between key towns along the route.

What is the designation and frequency of the Regionalbahn service operating on this line?

The hourly Rhein-Niers-Bahn, designated as RB 33, is the Regionalbahn service operating on this line. This service offers more frequent stops compared to the RE 4, catering to local travel needs.

How do the stopping patterns of the RE 4 and RB 33 services differ on this line?

The Regionalbahn (RB 33) stops at every station along the route, providing comprehensive local service. In contrast, the Regional-Express (RE 4) skips several stations, including Kohlscheid, Brachelen, Herrath, and Wickrath, to offer faster travel times between major points.

Are there any long-distance passenger services, such as Intercity trains, that use the Aachen–Mönchengladbach line?

Yes, Intercity (IC) services operate on this line twice a week, traveling between Aachen and Berlin. These trains make stops at Mönchengladbach, Rheydt, Herzogenrath, and Aachen, offering a long-distance connection.

How is the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway utilized in current freight transport operations?

Currently, the line serves as an important alternative route for freight transport, particularly for trains traveling from Belgium to the Ruhr region, bypassing the traditional Iron Rhine route. Trains often utilize the Montzen Railway connection and proceed along this line.

Can you describe a typical freight train routing that utilizes the Aachen–Mönchengladbach line?

Freight trains originating from Belgium via the Montzen Railway typically use the Aachen–Mönchengladbach line starting from Aachen West station. They proceed at least to Rheydt freight yard, from where they continue towards Duisburg, either via the Mönchengladbach freight bypass or through Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof.

What does the image captioned 'Aachen Hauptbahnhof 10-2017.jpg' illustrate?

The image titled 'Aachen Hauptbahnhof 10-2017.jpg' depicts Aachen Hauptbahnhof, the primary railway station in Aachen. This station serves as the starting point for the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway line.

What is shown in the image 'RE4.jpg' related to the railway line?

The image 'RE4.jpg' shows a Wupper-Express (RE4) train crossing the Rur river on a bridge. This visually represents one of the regional express services operating on or near the railway line.

What does the image 'Mönchengladbach Hbf.jpg' represent in relation to the railway line?

The image 'Mönchengladbach Hbf.jpg' shows Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof, the main railway station in Mönchengladbach. This station marks the terminus of the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway line.

What historical context is provided by the image 'BahnhofPalenberg.jpg'?

The image 'BahnhofPalenberg.jpg' provides a historical view of Palenberg station (Übach-Palenberg station) as it looked in the year 1900. This serves as a visual record of one of the stations along the line during that era.

What do the semaphore signals depicted in the image 'Formsignale.jpg' signify?

The semaphore signals shown in the image 'Formsignale.jpg' are located in Wickrath station. They represent the older signaling technology that was being phased out and replaced by modern electronic systems around 2007.

What is the primary source cited for the information presented in the route map diagram of the railway line?

The primary source referenced for the railway line diagram is the 'Eisenbahnatlas Deutschland' (German railway atlas), published in 2009. This atlas is a comprehensive resource detailing Germany's railway network.

Where can additional detailed information regarding line 2550 be accessed?

Further information specific to line 2550 can be found on the NRW railway archive website maintained by André Joost. This online resource provides specialized data on railways within North Rhine-Westphalia.

Aachen U2013m U00f6nchengladbach Railway Wiki: The Aachen-Mönchengladbach Line: A Nexus of German Rail History

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Route Details

Geographic Overview

The Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway is a significant main line situated in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It serves as a crucial corridor for both freight and passenger transport, connecting the Ruhr region with Belgium. Its strategic importance is underscored by its status as one of Germany's earliest railway lines, dating back to the mid-19th century.

Key Statistics

This line spans a considerable distance, facilitating regional and long-distance rail traffic. Key technical specifications include:

Line Length: 62 km (39 miles)
Track Gauge: 1,435 mm (standard gauge)
Electrification: Operates under a 15 kV/16.7 Hz AC catenary system.

The line is designated with the number 2550 and supports regional route numbers 425 and 485.

Route Segments and Stations

The railway traverses diverse terrain, from urban centers to rural landscapes, featuring significant engineering works. The route is characterized by junctions, embankments, and cuttings, reflecting its historical development and operational requirements.

The line originates at Aachen Hauptbahnhof, a major hub connecting to lines from Liège, Belgium, and the high-speed line to Cologne. Shortly after, it serves Aachen Schanz station. Approaching Aachen West station, a junction connects to the Montzen Railway, primarily used for freight to Belgium.

The track proceeds through western Aachen, initially on a high embankment and then through a deep cutting. The former Richterich station site is now a crossover point. Historically, a branch line known as the "Millions line" diverged here towards Simpelveld in the Netherlands.

The line continues to Kohlscheid station, situated atop the Kohlscheid ramp. Historically, bank engines were required here to assist heavy trains ascending towards Aachen. This was also the starting point for the largely dismantled Stolberg–Kohlscheid line.

At Herzogenrath station, the line intersects with the Stolberg–Herzogenrath line and the Sittard–Herzogenrath railway, which is served by the cross-border euregiobahn. A connection also exists to the Saint-Gobain glass factory.

Further along, the route passes through Übach-Palenberg station and Geilenkirchen station. Geilenkirchen historically connected to the narrow-gauge Geilenkirchen District Railway. The terrain flattens towards Lindern station, a junction for the branch line to Heinsberg. The Lindern–Brachelen–Baal section runs on a high embankment across the Rur river plain, crossed by a concrete bridge.

Baal station was notable for its former two-level "tower station" configuration, where the now largely closed Jülich–Dalheim line crossed on a lower level. The line then traverses the Erkelenzer Börde.

In the vicinity of the former Rheydt freight yard, the now-closed Krefeld–Rheydt line and the Mönchengladbach freight bypass diverge. The bypass allows freight trains to circumvent the busy section between Rheydt and Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof, heading towards Viersen-Helenabrunn.

Between the freight yard and Rheydt Hauptbahnhof, the Iron Rhine line runs parallel as a single track. Lines from Cologne and the Iron Rhine converge at Rheydt Hauptbahnhof.

The final section to Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof experiences dense traffic due to the convergence of these lines. From Mönchengladbach, lines continue towards Duisburg and Düsseldorf.

Key Stations and Features:

Aachen Hauptbahnhof: Major terminus and connection point.
Aachen West: Junction for freight lines to Belgium.
Herzogenrath: Important junction with lines to the Netherlands and Stolberg.
Lindern: Connection to the Heinsberg branch line.
Baal: Site of a former two-level junction station.
Rheydt Hauptbahnhof: Convergence point for multiple lines.
Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof: Final destination and major hub.

Note: The detailed route map icons (BSicons) from the source have been described textually due to the constraint of not using images.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Early Development

The conception and construction of the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway were initiated by the Aachen-Düsseldorf-Ruhrort Railway Company. Established in 1846, the company faced financial challenges during its initial construction phase. Consequently, it was merged with the similarly struggling Ruhrort-Crefeld District Gladbach Railway Company in 1850 to form the Royal Direction of the Aachen-Düsseldorf-Ruhrort Railway.

The line was progressively opened in sections:

Mönchengladbach–Rheydt: August 12, 1852
Rheydt–Herzogenrath: November 12, 1852
Herzogenrath–Aachen: January 17, 1853

This railway represented a significant early step in Germany's industrialization and transportation network.

Consolidation and Expansion

The Aachen-Düsseldorf-Ruhrort Railway Company operated the line until December 31, 1865. Subsequently, its assets were absorbed by the Bergisch-Märkische Railway Company (BME) on January 1, 1866, reflecting the increasing state control over Prussia's railway infrastructure.

Evolution in Aachen: The original terminus was Aachen Marschierthor station. With the construction of the new Aachen Hauptbahnhof in 1905, replacing the older Rhenish Station, the line's alignment was altered. Aachen Templerbend station was demolished in 1910 and replaced by Aachen West station on a relocated track section, optimizing the route through western Aachen.

Modernization Efforts

Significant upgrades have been implemented to enhance efficiency and safety. In 2007, the section between Übach-Palenberg and Rheydt Hauptbahnhof was integrated with an electronic interlocking system at Grevenbroich. This modernization also saw the replacement of older semaphore signals with modern Ks signals between Lindern and Rheydt, and within Aachen Hauptbahnhof.

Stations such as Wickrath, Übach-Palenberg, and Erkelenz underwent renovation. These technological advancements ensure the line remains a reliable component of the modern rail network.

Current Operations

Passenger Services

Regional passenger services are primarily operated by DB Regio NRW. The line hosts two key services:

Wupper-Express (RE 4): An hourly Regional-Express service connecting Mönchengladbach to Düsseldorf, Wuppertal, Hagen, and Dortmund.
Rhein-Niers-Bahn (RB 33): An hourly Regionalbahn service that makes all stops between Mönchengladbach and Aachen, continuing towards Duisburg.

While the Regionalbahn serves all stations, the Regional-Express bypasses several smaller stops for faster transit.

Freight Transport

The Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway plays a vital role in freight logistics, often serving as an alternative route to the Iron Rhine railway. Freight trains originating from Belgium, utilizing the Montzen Railway, transit this line from Aachen West station, typically proceeding towards the Ruhr region via Rheydt freight yard. This ensures continued connectivity for international freight movement.

Intercity Connections

The line also accommodates long-distance passenger services. Intercity trains operate twice weekly, linking Aachen with Berlin, with scheduled stops at Mönchengladbach, Rheydt, Herzogenrath, and Aachen. This integration provides crucial long-distance connectivity for passengers traveling along this corridor.

References

Source Material

The information presented on this page is derived from the cited sources, providing a foundation for understanding the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway.

Further Information

External Resources

For additional details and context regarding the Aachen–Mönchengladbach railway, consult the following resource:

NRW Bahnarchiv - Description of Line 2550 (opens in new tab)

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References

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The Aachen-Mönchengladbach Line

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Route Details

Geographic Overview

Key Statistics

Route Segments and Stations

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Early Development

Consolidation and Expansion

Modernization Efforts

Current Operations

Passenger Services

Freight Transport

Intercity Connections

References

Source Material

Further Information

External Resources

Teacher's Corner

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