- Stronger catenary lines for the northern part of the city
- New masts and improved power transmission over a length of 2.5 kilometres
- Renovation work in the midst of city traffic poses a particular challenge
On behalf of Bonn’s public transport company (SWB Bus und Bahn), EQOS Energie will be providing a future-proof system design by the middle of next year to prevent disruptions and ensure safe operations in Bonn. Over a length of around 1.3 kilometres, the system will be optimised from flat to high chain, and the flat chain will be renewed over an additional 1.2 kilometres. In addition, 54 old masts will be replaced with new parallel wide-flanged beams. This will increase the load capacity of the track sections. In order to maintain public transport along the entire route, work will be carried out in two shifts, day and night, during two 16-day full closures.
Work during ongoing rail operations
“The remodelling work will take place in the middle of dense city traffic, which poses a particular challenge not only for maintaining tram operations but also for the smooth flow of private transport,” said Arne Samijn, Head of the Catenary Systems Germany profit center. “During the day, the new steel masts will be installed, with temporary structures being used wherever the new double-T girders are to be positioned in exactly the same place as their predecessors.” Great importance is attached to the smooth operation of the tram lines: “The catenary systems are being rebuilt during extended night-time breaks in service and full closures. This enables us to avoid large-scale disruptions to tram services,” Samijn added.
Rail transport to be rendered more attractive in the long term
“Increasing the cross-section of the catenary wires will improve power transmission,” said Carsten Kuhle, Head of the Railway Technology business unit at EQOS. “Increasing the cross-section of the catenary wire is a building block for a sustainable and high-performance public transport network and thus increases the attractiveness of public transport for passengers. With this project, we are making an important and long-term contribution to the transport transformation in Bonn,” the managing director said. The decision by SWB to award the contract was made in a public tender. EQOS Energie was able to prevail thanks to its experience in the field of catenary systems, especially in the given price segment. After completion of the preparatory work, the project has now gained momentum and is scheduled for completion by May 2026.
Photo: SWB Bus und Bahn