- Constructing rail lines between Hamburg and Berlin experiences schedule adjustments
Work on the rail line connecting Hamburg and Berlin has commenced, bringing inconvenience to passengers. At 22:00 on Friday, as requested by the company, operational adjustments were implemented. Until December 14th, passengers in long-distance and regional services can anticipate a significantly scaled-down train schedule.
In long-distance traffic, only half of the typical four lines are operational on this route. The remaining trains are diverted west towards Stendal, adding a 45-minute duration and operating just once per hour instead of twice.
Construction is also taking place between Hamburg and Schwerin, ending on September 29th. During this period, no ICE trains will be running. Passengers are offered a direct connection via replacement buses, along with a daily Intercity train via Lübeck.
Regional services are likewise impacted by the extensive construction work. Travelers in affected areas will be compelled to use replacement buses.
Between Wittenberge and Karstädt in Brandenburg, the railway is removing an existing concrete track bed and replacing it with a ballasted track. As per the company's report, this method of construction has been repeatedly repaired through maintenance in recent years, but ultimately proved unsuccessful.
Consequently, the route between these two cities will be fully closed until December 14th, with passengers forced to use buses. From early October, the closure will be extended to Ludwigslust.
In regional traffic between Hamburg and Schwerin, there are also restrictions. Initially, the Hamburg-Büchen section will be completely closed until early September, followed by intervals of single-track closures and multi-day complete closures.
Another prolonged closure is scheduled for 2025. Between August 2025 and April 2026, a comprehensive overhaul of the route, dubbed a 'general renovation', is planned. Tracks, switches, overhead lines, and signaling technology - everything will be replaced during these almost nine months. Post-renovation, the route should be free of repairs, allowing trains to run more reliably than before.
Regrettably, the current construction work could not be delayed any longer. "The construction work in 2024 is essential so that trains can maintain their full speed and there are fewer interruptions to the infrastructure," according to the Deutsche Bahn statement.
Extensive deliberations were undertaken to determine whether the construction measures could be combined with the general renovation, but safeguarding legal deadlines for maintenance necessitated immediate commencement of the work.
The railway construction between Hamburg and Schwerin will cause ICE trains to halt from now until September 29th. Passengers on this route will be provided with a direct connection via replacement buses.
Despite the ongoing railway work between Wittenberge and Karstädt, passengers will need to use replacement buses as the route between these two cities will be fully closed until December 14th.
