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New splendor for Altona: Construction of the Sternbrücke has begun!
In Altona, Deutsche Bahn has begun construction of a new, support-free star bridge, which is scheduled to be completed by August 2026.
New splendor for Altona: Construction of the Sternbrücke has begun!
Construction work on the new star bridge in Altona has begun. On Thursday, June 13, 2025, the first steel component was assembled. The important project of Deutsche Bahn (DB) is now taking concrete shape. The new bridge is a response to the need to replace the almost 100-year-old Sternbrücke, which carries over 900 S-Bahn, regional and long-distance trains every day. NDR reports that the new structure will be a column-free arch bridge and will be 108 meters long and 21 meters high.
Planning and approval
The plan for the new star bridge did not come about overnight. Deutsche Bahn submitted the planning approval application to the Federal Railway Authority (EBA) in April 2020. The planning approval decision that has now been issued is an important step that allows work to begin. The entire planning process is extremely structured and takes both public and private interests into account. German railway explains that the process is divided into several phases, from the initial draft to approval planning.
Trees and necessary demolitions
The project requires some changes to be made to the area around the bridge. Around 86 trees will be felled, but 215 new trees will be planted to compensate. There is also action in the surrounding area: by the end of May, five buildings and two extensions will be demolished to make room for the new structure. DB guarantees that all nine affected tenants will be given new apartments.
From May 2024, a 700-meter-long auxiliary cable road will also be built to accommodate the necessary data and power cables during the extensive construction work. Once the work is completed, this auxiliary road will be dismantled.
Completion of the bridge
As for the completion of the new bridge, the time frame is optimistic. The plan is to complete the assembly of the bridge by August 2026. It is then lifted into its final position. The decision to renew is important not only from a technical perspective, but also to ensure smooth rail traffic in the region in the long term. Railway bridges offers further information about this project and the associated planning process on its website.
The extensive work on the new star bridge is a clear sign of progress in Hamburg's transport infrastructure. Even if inconveniences arise during the construction work, one thing is certain: this investment will pay off.