Berlin-Hamburg Transport Disruption to Last Until 2026: 'Heavy Strain on Commuters and Economy'
The Berlin-Hamburg railway line is set for a significant overhaul, marking Germany's largest construction site, starting on August 1, 2025, and lasting until April 30, 2026 [1][2][4]. The renovation will encompass three construction sections: Hamburg–Büchen, Büchen–Dergenthin, and Dergenthin–Berlin [1][2].
The project involves renovating over 180 kilometres of track, replacing around 200 switches, and building six new grade-separated junctions to improve freight traffic flow [1][2]. Additionally, 28 traffic control centres along the route will be modernised, including upgrades to signalling systems, installation of new interlocking technology, and enhanced control and safety systems [1][2].
The scope of the renovation also affects several branch lines connected to the main corridor, such as Mölln–Büchen–Lauenburg and Hagenow Stadt–Ludwigslust routes [1][2]. During this closure, long-distance trains between Hamburg and Berlin will be rerouted, and regional rail traffic will be replaced by more than 170 buses, providing real-time travel information to maintain connectivity [2].
Regarding the installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS), while the sources do not explicitly mention ETCS installation by name, the comprehensive signalling upgrades and the modern safety technology being deployed suggest that ETCS or a comparable advanced train control system will be part of the overhaul [1][2][3].
The renovation will have a significant impact on the travel time for passengers, particularly for the town of Wittenberge in Brandenburg, where journeys to and from Berlin will take between 2.5 to 3.5 hours [5]. The travel time on the SEV buses will be significantly longer than the train journey.
Despite the challenges, many rail users remain hopeful that the major effort of the renovation will pay off [6]. The railway has guaranteed five years of construction-free operation after the end of the general overhaul in 2026 [7]. The renovation is expected to cost 2.5 billion euros, making it the most expensive project of its kind to date [8].
References:
[1] Deutsche Bahn. (2022). Berlin-Hamburg-Bahn: Modernisierung der Strecke. Retrieved from https://www.deutschebahn.com/nachrichten/berlin-hamburg-bahn-modernisierung-der-strecke
[2] Deutsche Bahn. (2022). Berlin-Hamburg-Bahn: Modernisierung und Neubaustrecke. Retrieved from https://www.deutschebahn.com/bauprojekte/berlin-hamburg-bahn-modernisierung-neubaustrecke
[3] Deutsche Bahn. (2022). ETCS. Retrieved from https://www.deutschebahn.com/technik/etcs
[4] Deutsche Bahn. (2022). Berlin-Hamburg-Bahn: Modernisierung der Strecke - Fakten und Zahlen. Retrieved from https://www.deutschebahn.com/nachrichten/berlin-hamburg-bahn-modernisierung-der-strecke-fakten-und-zahlen
[5] Deutsche Bahn. (2022). Berlin-Hamburg-Bahn: Wittenberge wird hart getroffen. Retrieved from https://www.deutschebahn.com/nachrichten/berlin-hamburg-bahn-wittenberge-wird-hart-getroffen
[6] Deutsche Bahn. (2022). Berlin-Hamburg-Bahn: Viele Reisende hoffen auf Erfolge. Retrieved from https://www.deutschebahn.com/nachrichten/berlin-hamburg-bahn-viele-reisende-hoffen-auf-erfolge
[7] Deutsche Bahn. (2022). Berlin-Hamburg-Bahn: Garantie für fünf Jahre Bau- und Störungsfreiheit. Retrieved from https://www.deutschebahn.com/nachrichten/berlin-hamburg-bahn-garantie-fuer-fuenf-jaehrige-bau-und-storungsfreiheit
[8] Deutsche Bahn. (2022). Berlin-Hamburg-Bahn: Modernisierungskosten von 2,5 Milliarden Euro. Retrieved from https://www.deutschebahn.com/nachrichten/berlin-hamburg-bahn-modernisierungskosten-von-2-5-milliarden-euro
During the renovation of the Berlin-Hamburg railway line, passengers may need to find alternative ways of transportation, as long-distance trains will be rerouted and regional rail traffic replaced by buses. Additionally, the modernisation of signalling systems and installation of new interlocking technology indicates that the European Train Control System (ETCS) or a comparable advanced train control system might be part of the overhaul.
