With the expansion and electrification of the High Rhine Railway, Deutsche Bahn is closing one of the last non-electrified sections in the South Baden rail network. A new overhead line is being installed along the entire section between Basel Bad Bf and Erzingen, alongside work on cable systems, signaling and telecommunications technology, and the renovation of several stations.
The route runs directly through Klefenz’s home territory, with the Waldshut junction station serving as the central hub for the electrification project. By the end of 2027, the era of diesel trains here will come to an end. As a railway-certified infrastructure builder, Klefenz is involved in this project through several key trades—from Basel to Erzingen.
As a joint venture with Zürcher, Klefenz is responsible for cable civil engineering along the entire route between Basel and Erzingen. Cable civil engineering is the first trade to break ground, laying the foundation for everything that follows: the routes will eventually house power cables for the overhead lines, signaling cables for safety technology, and telecommunications lines. Any inaccuracy or delay here slows down the entire subsequent chain, making the responsibility for this section particularly high.
Across approximately 74 kilometers of track, this requires a continuous, tightly scheduled construction process that demands precise knowledge of the route and reliable logistics. By managing this trade through a cross-border joint venture, Klefenz pools the capacities of both partners and ensures seamless execution across the entire length of the line.
With three crews working in parallel, Klefenz maintains the pace required for a project of this length for over two years. A significant portion of the work takes place while the railway is in operation, placing special demands on safety, coordination, and daily planning, as every time window between train services must be utilized. The early start in October 2025 makes cable civil engineering the kickoff for Klefenz’s entire involvement in the High Rhine Railway: for the company, this trade marks the beginning of work on its own home turf.
Are you looking for a partner for your next civil engineering, fiber optic, or railway construction project in the High Rhine region or Central Germany? Or would you like to become part of our team? In either case, you can expect short communication channels, direct contact with management, and fair conditions.
contact form or take a look at our open positions.
Also working as a joint venture with Zürcher, Klefenz is installing the route's telecommunications technology. This serves as the nervous system of the modern railway, carrying data connections between signal boxes, signaling systems, and operations centers, and forming the direct interface for control and safety technology. An electrified, high-traffic line cannot operate without a high-performance telecommunications infrastructure.
Because Klefenz is also responsible for the cable civil engineering, these two trades mesh perfectly—the routes housing the telecommunications cables are built in-house. This shortens coordination paths and reduces the friction typically caused by interfaces between different companies.
Starting in mid-2026, Klefenz will deploy two crews to install telecommunications technology along the entire route. This work is tightly integrated, both in terms of scheduling and organization, with our own cable civil engineering team, which has already prepared the necessary routes. Bundling civil engineering and technical installation under one roof offers a tangible advantage for the client: fewer interfaces, clear accountability, and a single point of contact for both trades.
Are you planning a civil engineering, fiber optic, or track construction project in the High Rhine region or Central Germany? We are a rail-certified infrastructure builder with our own team, first-hand knowledge of the tracks, and a reliable partner from the initial tender to final acceptance.
Request a project Would you like to join our team? View open positions.
In the section between Waldshut and Erzingen, Klefenz is working as a subcontractor on control and safety technology. This is the trade that makes safe train operations possible in the first place: signals, switch controls, and safety systems ensure that trains are guided reliably and without collisions. With electrification and a denser timetable, the demands on this technology continue to rise—every intervention must be carried out precisely and in accordance with applicable railway regulations.
This section is located directly in Klefenz's home territory. Especially with safety technology, where accuracy and reliability determine future operations, our close familiarity with the line—from local conditions to the stakeholders involved on-site—pays off.
The home section around Waldshut is familiar territory for Klefenz: short distances, precise knowledge of the line, and a well-coordinated crew directly benefit the construction process here. What requires time-consuming familiarization on unfamiliar routes is simply local expertise in our home territory. Starting in mid-2026, Klefenz will apply this expertise where the company has always been at home.
Are you planning a civil engineering, fiber optic, or track construction project in the High Rhine region or Central Germany? We are a rail-certified infrastructure builder with our own team, first-hand knowledge of the tracks, and a reliable partner from the initial tender to final acceptance.
Request a project Would you like to join our team? View open positions.
Beyond the traction current for overhead lines, a modern railway line requires a reliable 50 Hz power supply for its auxiliary systems: switch heaters, yard and platform lighting, signaling and safety technology, and technical buildings along the route. These systems ensure that operations remain safe and continuous, even in wind, snow, and darkness.
Klefenz is involved as a subcontractor in the construction of these power systems in the section between Waldshut and Erzingen.
Starting in mid-2026, Klefenz will support the installation of 50 Hz power systems in the eastern section of the line—the area closest to our headquarters in Waldshut-Tiengen. This close proximity allows for short travel times and flexible deployment exactly where needed during the construction process.
Are you planning a civil engineering, fiber optic, or track construction project in the High Rhine region or Central Germany? We are a rail-certified infrastructure builder with our own crews, first-hand knowledge of the routes, and a reliable partner from the initial tender to final acceptance.
Request a project Would you like to join our team? View open positions.
Level crossings are where rail and road meet—a point where technology directly determines the safety of all road users. As part of the electrification process, level crossing safety systems along the line are being adapted, renewed, or updated to meet the new requirements of the electrified railway. Barriers, signals, and their control systems must be perfectly synchronized with the rest of the signaling and safety technology.
Klefenz is involved as a subcontractor in the work on the level crossings in the section between Waldshut and Erzingen.
Starting in mid-2026, Klefenz will deploy one crew to work on level crossings. Especially at crossings that intersect with road traffic, local knowledge and coordination with municipal authorities are practical advantages—both of which Klefenz brings from its home region.
Are you planning a civil engineering, fiber optic, or track construction project in the High Rhine region or Central Germany? We are a rail-certified infrastructure builder with our own crews, first-hand knowledge of the routes, and a reliable partner from the initial tender to final acceptance.
Request a project Would you like to join our team? View open positions.
Modernizing the High Rhine Railway is about more than just technical track work; it is about visible improvements for passengers at the stations. Platforms are being rebuilt and brought to a uniform height to enable level, barrier-free boarding and alighting, while new stops are being created along the line. This work combines traditional civil and structural engineering with the demands of active rail operations.
Klefenz is involved as a subcontractor in the work on the transport stations in the section between Waldshut and Erzingen.
Starting in mid-2026, Klefenz will deploy four crews to support station construction—the project's largest personnel commitment alongside overhead line work. Since platform work takes place where passengers travel daily, it requires precise planning of construction phases to ensure ongoing operations.
Are you planning a civil engineering, fiber optic, or track construction project in the High Rhine region or Central Germany? We are a rail-certified infrastructure builder with our own crew and first-hand knowledge of the routes, serving as a reliable partner from the tender phase to final acceptance.
Inquire about a project Interested in joining our team? View open positions.
The overhead line is the heart of electrification – without it, there are no electric trains. Masts, cantilevers, and catenary wires are being installed along the entire route between Basel and Erzingen to supply traction power to the vehicles. At the Basel, Waldshut, and Erzingen stations, the new system will be connected to the existing DB and SBB overhead lines. It is the most visible result of the entire project and, at the same time, one of the most technically demanding.
Klefenz is involved in the overhead line work as a subcontractor, contributing its experience and rail-bound equipment to this route-wide expansion.
Starting in mid-2026, Klefenz will support overhead line construction across the entire route length with four crews – the company's largest personnel commitment to this project. Work on the catenary requires close coordination with other trades and precise planning of track closures, as overhead line work can only be performed under de-energized and secured conditions.
Are you planning a civil engineering, fiber optic, or track construction project in the High Rhine region or Central Germany? We are a rail-certified infrastructure builder with our own crew and first-hand knowledge of the routes, serving as a reliable partner from the tender phase to final acceptance.
Inquire about a project Interested in joining our team? View open positions.
