While most train traffic will carry on without interruption, there will be some temporary changes. On Monday, Track 1 will be closed. Signs have been posted to indicate the alternative Track numbers for the affected departures and arrivals.

Canal work will also be done during this time, as well as adjustments on the overhead line masts. The ceiling of the outdoor hall will have more glass elements in the future, letting natural light in. According to construction manager Stephan Boleslawsky, stores will remain open during the renovation period and accessibility for the physically impaired will not be affected. Work is expected to be completed at the end of 2019.

“For many people, the train station is the first impression they have when they come to Bonn,” says Mayor Reinhard Limbach. He introduced the project “1 from 150” on Friday. It’s Deutsche Bahn’s (German Rail) modernization program. Altogether, 150 train stations across North Rhine-Westphalia are to be renovated before 2023. The investment costs are around one billion euro. One goal is make at least 80 percent of the train stations free of any stairways, allowing greater accessibility. In Bonn, there are around 67,000 passengers every day.

Train station manager, Kai Rossman says the restrooms have now been renovated at a cost of 500,000 euro. A security firm should be on hand to prevent vandalism. Also planned for passengers is an area where they can sit down and charge their phones.

(Orig. text: Bettina Köhl)