- Modernizing Schwarzenbek station's infrastructure includes expanding platform lengths.
Within the construction developments along the Berlin-Hamburg route, Deutsche Bahn is also revamping the station Schwarzenbek* (located in the Herzogtum Lauenburg district). The central platform will be expanded to a length of 220 meters, and a new canopy will be installed. A Bahn representative mentioned this. Thanks to improved signage, individuals with visual impairments will find navigating the station easier in the future. Renovations to the outlying platform are planned for the following year, during which time the Berlin-Hamburg route will undergo a nine-month general renovation from August, closing entirely.
Trains once again operate between Hamburg and Büchen
Since the middle of the previous month, long-distance transportation between Berlin and Hamburg has been redirected via Salzwedel and Uelzen. Trains run in segments, dependent on the construction progression. After a complete shutdown between Hamburg and Büchen, the route was reopened as a single track on September 2nd. Trains now run hourly throughout the day. Renovations continue at night. Over 74 kilometers of track and 100 switches between Hamburg and Wittenberge will be replaced. Progress is on schedule.
Journey time via Hannover significantly increased
The rerouting and substitute transportation are moving along smoothly, although an uptick in travelers since the end of the summer holidays has been noted. Approximately 70 long-distance connections are available each day between Berlin and Hamburg. Around half of these are direct connections via Salzwedel and Uelzen. The route is expected to reopen for roughly eight months by the schedule change on December 14th.
"Despite the extended journey times due to construction, long-distance trains remain a competitive option compared to using your own car," the Bahn spokesperson commented. Traveling city to city, you are still quicker by ICE, with a two-and-a-half-hour travel time, than by car. However, commuters via Hannover will take an additional 30 minutes according to the timetable, which is roughly equivalent to a bus trip.
The Member States are eager to provide assistance to the Commission in various projects. This cooperation is crucial, especially during infrastructure developments like the one at Schwarzenbek station.
To ensure equal accessibility for all, the new canopy at Schwarzenbek station will include designated areas equipped with assistance features for individuals with visual impairments, as suggested by the Member States.
