At a snail's pace through the Isarwinkel: Since the train accident, there are said to be more slow-moving sections

Created: 07/02/2022, 08:00

By: Andreas Steppan

A test of patience for the passengers: the BRB – in the photo it drives past Reichersbeuern – is slowed down in some places by the DB’s slow-moving sections.

© it drives past Reichersbeuern - is slowed down in some places by speed restrictions imposed by the DB.

PHOTO: BRB

Anyone who regularly travels with the Bavarian Regiobahn (BRB) knows it: The train, which just roared along reasonably quickly, only creeps forward at a snail's pace on some sections.

The reason for this are so-called slow-moving zones.

Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen

– According to a report by Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR), since the train accident in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, there have suddenly been significantly more slow-moving sections.

The route in the Isarwinkel is also affected.

As BRB spokeswoman Annette Luckner explains on request, there are currently two slow-moving sections on the company's Oberland routes: one on the branch between Schaftlach and Lenggries and one between Schliersee and Bayrischzell.

The reason is defects in the superstructure, specifically track faults.

At the affected point on the Lenggrieser line, work is currently being done at night.

Luckner said she couldn't say how long that would probably take.

Sometimes it goes pretty fast.

"Often, for example, only gravel has to be filled in so that the track is properly supported again." According to Luckner, the BRB currently has no information about work on the Schliersee-Bayrischzell section.

Deutsche Bahn: "Data on speed restrictions are constantly updated"

Only the operator of the rail network could provide concrete information here: Deutsche Bahn.

A spokeswoman for the group, however, responded to the specific request from our newspaper about slow-moving sections in the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen district only in general.

"The number of slow-moving sections on the DB route network changes every day," she says.

In general, there are slow-moving sections that “are created due to modernization or maintenance of the infrastructure”.

These would have a longer lead time.

In addition, there are also those that can arise at short notice, for example due to mowing work, green pruning, securing during inspections or people on the track.

"The data on the slow-moving sections are therefore constantly updated and usually entered digitally on the train driver's cab," said the railway spokeswoman.

BR: The number of speed restriction zones has increased significantly

According to BR, since the train accident near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which claimed five lives on June 3, the number of slow-moving sections has increased sharply, especially in the foothills of the Alps.

As of June 22, there were almost 20 slow-moving sections in Upper Bavaria due to damage to the superstructure, according to the BR, citing an internal document from the railways.

With the exception of three, they were all set up in Burgrain in the two weeks following the train accident.

DB expresses itself cautiously

A possible interpretation would be: Even if the cause of the train accident has not yet been finally clarified, DB is increasingly examining its rail network in the region.

You don't get that confirmed by the railway spokeswoman.

Due to the ongoing investigations, Deutsche Bahn does not want to comment on the accident in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

However, the number of slow-moving sections in the DB route network is "almost at the same low level" as in previous years.

As of May, there were "a total of 82 slow-moving sections on less than half a percent of the entire route network" at DB due to modernization and maintenance.

"In addition, DB experts inspect and maintain the infrastructure according to prescribed deadlines and maintain it according to specified regulations,"

so the speaker.

"This is strictly monitored by the supervisory authority, the Federal Railway Authority." The number of slow-moving sections varies at short notice and on a daily basis.

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BRB asks passengers for their understanding

The BRB, which only drives on the tracks of the DB, cannot say anything about a connection between slow-moving sections and the Garmisch accident.

Spokeswoman Annette Luckner only names the consequences.

Since the trains are normally only allowed to move over the affected sections at 20 kilometers per hour, there are “significant delays” that “cannot be made up on our single-track routes”.

The passengers can only ask for their understanding.

"We as BRB can't help it." And railway safety is of course a great asset.

By the way: Everything from the region is now also available in our regular Bad Tölz newsletter.