Signal box failure at Uelzen causes major rail disruptions

A signal box failure at Uelzen station has severely disrupted rail traffic in the region, impacting services operated by Metronom. The malfunction is particularly affecting the RE3/RB31 line connecting Hamburg Hauptbahnhof and Hanover Hauptbahnhof, as well as the RE4/RB41 line between Hamburg and Bremen Hauptbahnhof.

According to Metronom's press office, the affected section of track in Uelzen can only be used with significant restrictions. This has led to substantial delays and occasional partial cancellations on the Hamburg-Hanover route. The Hamburg-Bremen line is also experiencing disruptions because trains and personnel are unable to make their scheduled connections in Hamburg due to the ongoing issue.

Metronom stated that delays and isolated train cancellations are expected to continue throughout the evening and night. The company is working diligently to ensure that train services can resume as planned on Wednesday morning. However, passengers are advised to prepare for disruptions extending at least until the late evening hours.

This signal box failure exacerbates an already tense operational situation, which had been previously affected by severe thunderstorms in the area earlier in the day. Deutsche Bahn is also reporting delays and cancellations on its long-distance services between Hanover and Hamburg due to the weather aftermath. Passengers are urged to check digital timetable information and pay attention to station announcements and displays before and during their journeys.