Railway apocalypse: A24 between Berlin and Hamburg closed for nine months!

Railway apocalypse: A24 between Berlin and Hamburg closed for nine months!

The railway line between Berlin and Hamburg faces a huge challenge: From August 1, 2025, the A24 will be completely closed due to extensive renovation work for a period of nine months. As the Berliner Zeitung reports, criticizes the spokesman for the Bürgersbahn, which is criticized Planned total blocking of the 280-kilometer connection between Berlin-Spandau and Hamburg-Rothenburgsort. The upcoming work marks the longest operating interruption of the railway in Germany in Germany and mainly concern commuters and local transport users.

The effects on long -distance transport are also significant because the timetable is reduced by around 50%. ICE trains take up to 45 minutes longer by diversions via Stendal and Uelzen. Commuters have to fall back on buses, which can extend travel times by up to 3 hours and 40 minutes. Monheim therefore calls for rethinking the blocking again and suggests restricting the work to weekends and nights so as not to unnecessarily burden the shuttle traffic.

alternatives and replacement traffic

In order to maintain the mobility of travelers during the renovation work, Deutsche Bahn is planning a rail replacement traffic (SEV) in cooperation with a private consortium. Over 170 buses are to be used every day, which cover up to 86,000 kilometers to ensure a comfortable travel option. The aim of this replacement traffic is to offer a seat to every passenger, which is a challenge in view of the high demand and the limited capacity, especially in the Berlinn-based area Falkensee reports VBB .

It is important to take into account the lack of experience for traffic demand during the construction work, since the transport providers have to react to unexpected changes. In this context, Wilfried Kramer from the traffic club Germany criticizes the insufficient replacement concepts that could lead to the extended travel times. The federal government, on the other hand, shows itself calmly and refers to successful rail replacement traffic in previous renovations.

technical challenges

Another stone of the kick -off forms the delay in the introduction of a new signal system (ETCS) through Deutsche Bahn. Monheim emphasizes that many of the planned construction work would not demand a total closure and that more flexibility in the construction work would be possible. In order to support the smooth process, six additional transfer positions are also provided.

It is important for travelers to perceive current information on route closures, construction work and delays in real time. The Deutsche Bahn offers a comprehensive service, including the DB Navigator app, the latest departure times and disorders, as well as information about station ads and loudspeaker announcements.

The upcoming work will certainly present many travelers with challenges. While Deutsche Bahn and the transport providers are already working on solutions, the question remains whether the measures can meet the needs of passengers. The coming months will show whether the fears of the commuters are justified or whether the replacement solutions can actually ensure smooth transport.