Badger Activity Forces Train Service Disruptions in Southern Rhineland-Palatinate

Collapsed and destabilized railway embankments caused by badger burrows have led to extended closures and emergency bus replacements on key routes.

Train services between Landau and Winden, as well as Deidesheim and Bad Dürkheim, have been suspended due to damage caused by badger burrows in railway embankments.
The closures have been implemented earlier than planned, with repairs expected to take several weeks to months, potentially extending into late 2025 for full restoration.
Temporary bus services have been arranged, including half-hourly buses between Deidesheim and Bad Dürkheim and additional routes to Freinsheim and Grünstadt, though initial delays are anticipated due to incomplete planning.
The damage has expanded from an initially identified 1.9 kilometers to 2.5 kilometers on one section, with further inspections revealing extensive destabilization caused by intensified badger activity.
Environmental regulations and the location within a bird protection zone have delayed necessary embankment stabilization and tree-clearing work, requiring special permits for progression.