Eleven stations between Merseburg and Querfurt are currently being upgraded to make them barrier-free. Construction work began on 8 April 2024 and some of the tracks are also being replaced. The line will therefore be closed until 28 June 2024. A replacement service has been set up for travellers.
In addition to the various stations between Merseburg and Querfurt, eleven kilometres of track and two railway bridges are also being renewed.
One of the aims of the "Investitionsgesetz Kohleregionen" (Coal Regions Investment Act) is to strengthen economic growth in the lignite regions. In order to make the region's stations more attractive for tourists and thus make a sustainable contribution to economic growth, the stations between Merseburg and Querfurt will be made barrier-free by 2028. Work began in April 2024 with the Merseburg-Bergmannsring, Braunsbedra Ost, Krumpa, Mücheln-Stadt, Langeneichstädt, Nemsdorf-Göhrendorf and Querfurt stations. They will receive modern platforms that will be raised to 55 cm so that travellers can board and alight more easily. The elevation will enable travellers with wheelchairs, heavy luggage or pushchairs to board the trains without steps.
The platforms will also be completely refurbished. New seating and weather shelters will provide travellers and visitors with comfortable protection from rain and wind. Sustainable lighting and new display cases round off the measures. The passenger information displays have also been adapted and enable better orientation on site.
After completion of the stations mentioned above, the Beuna (Geiseltal), Frankleben and Mücheln (Geiseltal) stops and Braunsbedra station will follow by 2028. The district of Merseburg-Süd will receive its own new stop on the line as part of the construction work.
As part of the construction work, two railway bridges on the line and a total of eleven kilometres of track will also be replaced. For this reason, there will be closures on the line until 28 June 2024. Travellers will be able to reach their destination using a replacement bus service.