€530 million had been invested in the upgrading of 51 km of lines by the beginning of 2002. With more than 220 trains per day, the line was considered to be the most important railway line in Saxony. During the 2002 European floods, two bridges to the east of Riesa collapsed and an embankment was severely damaged. The section was completely closed from 16 August 2002. Regular operations were resumed with two single-track temporary bridges on 31 October 2002. The second track at Röderau was put back into operation at the end of August 2003 The total damage to the track to the end of 2002 was estimated at around €60 million. With the restoration of services in 2003, a reduction in the running time of 23 minutes was achieved.