Construction work aimed at replacing the Birs bridges in Münchenstein will lead to significant disruptions for rail services between Basel SBB and Münchenstein. The closures will occur over two weekends and for six additional nights between 8th February and 2nd March 2025, causing cancellations on trains IC51 and S3. Passengers will be provided with rail replacement buses during these closures.
As part of ongoing efforts to maintain Switzerland’s busy rail network, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is renewing the two railway bridges over the Birs River in Münchenstein. To facilitate the work safely and efficiently, the route between Basel SBB and Münchenstein will be temporarily closed on the following dates:
- Weekend closures:
- 8th/9th February 2025, from Saturday 01:00 to Monday 04:50
- 15th/16th February 2025, from Saturday 01:00 to Monday 04:50
- Night closures:
- 23rd/24th February 2025 to 26th/27th February 2025, from 00:05 to 04:50
- 28th February/1st March 2025 and 1st/2nd March 2025, from 01:00 to 04:50
During these times, SBB will provide replacement bus services to accommodate affected passengers. It is essential for all travellers to check updated schedules in advance to ensure smooth travel.
Münchenstein repairs: Impact on long-distance travel
The disruptions will affect several key train services, including:
- IC51 Services:
- IC51 trains will be cancelled between Basel SBB and Münchenstein during the closures.
- Passengers travelling from Basel SBB to Biel/Bienne will need to take a detour via Olten and change trains there.
- For those travelling to Laufen, Delémont, Moutier, and Grenchen Nord, direct replacement buses will operate between Basel SBB and Münchenstein. These buses will depart from Basel’s bus station (SBB train station, edge K) at xx:46 instead of the usual xx:03. Due to the longer journey times by bus, the return buses will also reach Basel SBB approximately 15 minutes later than usual.
Impact on regional travel
- S3 Services:
- The S3 trains will also be cancelled between Basel SBB and Münchenstein.
- Replacement buses will run in both directions with stops at Basel and Dreispitz. Passengers should note that the buses will depart about 15 minutes earlier than usual to ensure connections to the S3 services in Münchenstein, heading towards Laufen, Delémont, or Porrentruy. In the opposite direction, buses will reach Basel SBB approximately 15 minutes later.
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