Construction delays at the new Altona train station: experts doubt the plan!

Construction delays at the new Altona train station: experts doubt the plan!

In Hamburg, work is currently underway at full speed on the new Altona long-distance and regional train station, which is scheduled for completion at the end of 2027. Deutsche Bahn and the city have decided that the construction, which has now been underway for four years, will continue despite certain challenges. t-online.de reports that there are doubts about adherence to the schedule, especially due to a review of the construction phase concept, which has become necessary due to the ongoing shortage of skilled workers.

In this context, particular mention is made of the lack of plan and acceptance inspectors, which has already led to delays at the Diebsteich S-Bahn station. The new through station at Diebsteich replaces the old Altona terminus station. The planned relocation of the car train system to the Elbgaustraße S-Bahn station in Eidelstedt also represents a strategic repositioning. However, the underground S-Bahn station will remain at the old location.

Challenges caused by a shortage of skilled workers

The shortage of skilled workers in Germany remains at a high level and also poses major challenges for construction projects in Hamburg. In February 2023, according to [resus-consult.de](https://www.resus-consult.de/fachkraefte Mangel-aus-der-kritik-in-die-sichere-zukunft/), around 778,000 vacancies were reported. This not only impacts construction activities, but also endangers economic stability. Construction work is physically demanding, poorly paid and often offers limited opportunities for advancement, making the industry unattractive for many.

The traffic expert Heike Sudmann also criticized the low construction activity and raised the serious question of whether the schedule remains realistic. The Senate has not yet given a specific date for the opening of the new train station. According to current plans, the new train station could possibly go into operation without a reception hall, which would make the transition phase even more complicated.

Future of the S-Bahn connection

Another exciting project that could enrich Hamburg's transport infrastructure is a planned new S-Bahn tunnel between the main station and Altona. State Secretary Enak Ferlemann (CDU) stated a year ago that this is a long-term vision, but one that is associated with major challenges. According to nahverkehrhamburg.de, this tunnel could take several years and require massive renovations - estimated costs of around three billion euros, including the conversion of the existing tracks, cannot be ruled out.

When the new S-Bahn tunnel is put into operation for the first time, the first trains could be expected in 15 years at the earliest, if everything goes according to plan. The tunnel will consist of two single-track tubes that will allow speeds of up to 60 km/h. Given the numerous obstacles that need to be overcome, the main station could remain a major construction site for a long time.

Although the plans are promising, their implementation requires considerable effort and an increased focus on recruiting and retaining skilled workers. A change in the image of the construction industry could help attract more people to careers in construction and thus attract the urgently needed talent.