Large construction work: General renovation of the train between Berlin and Hamburg starts!

Large construction work: General renovation of the train between Berlin and Hamburg starts!

From August 1, 2025, Deutsche Bahn will begin with the general renovation of the railway line between Berlin and Hamburg. This major project is the second of a total of 41 planned renovations along the rail network, which extends over 280 kilometers and leads through five federal states. The extensive work includes the renewal of train stations, tracks, soft and overhead lines as well as the modernization of leading and security technology. The renovation will last until the end of April 2026, and during this time the route will be completely closed. A complete rail replacement traffic will be available from the start of construction, such as [Schwäbische.de] (https://www.schwaebische.de/wirtschaft/bahn-set-sich-bei-berlin-berin-hamburg-gut-bear- 3761388) reports.

Karsten Erhardt, the head of infrastructure projects East at DB Infrago, confirms the availability of drivers and vehicles for replacement traffic. However, commuters have to expect longer travel times. For example, the travel time from Wittenberge to Berlin extends from 1.5 hours to 3.5 hours and from Perleberg to Berlin from almost 2 hours to 3 hours. Long -distance traffic is diverted via Stendal and Uelzen, with many regional trains and local transport connections.

extensive measures

The last allocation of construction mandates for the section between Hamburg-Rothenburgsort and Büchen is also pending. Various companies such as Rhomberg Sersa Rail Holding GmbH and Eurovia GmbH are entrusted with extensive work on tracks, soft, swells and leading and security technology. Construction projects are also planned for three new signal boxes in Aumühle, Schwarzenbek and Büchen. The modernization and the barrier-free expansion of train stations in Hamburg-Bergedorf, Schwarzenbek, must and also have to be part of the overall plan, which of [Germans Bahn] (https://www.deutschebahn.com/de/presse/Presse-regional/Pre-hamburg-de/aktuell/Presseinformations-regional/hamburg-berlin-db-planmaessig-flage-bauftraege- Fuer-General renovation-13379840) is coordinated.

In order to secure the quality of the routes and improve the infrastructure, Deutsche Bahn plans numerous renovation and modernization measures at train stations during the closures. The aim is to optimize the infrastructure for travelers and freight transport companies, as on [db-engineering-consulting.com] (https://db-engineering-consulting.com/de/akutuelles/deutschlands-schieneninfrastructure-erhaelt-umfassende- Generals renovation/).

The challenges

The general renovation of the Berlin-Hamburg route is considered a test, since it brings challenges not only because of its length but also due to the difficult detour options. Project manager Julian Fassing emphasizes the challenge of managing the large amount of work on the given time frame. In addition, the shutdown of 280 kilometers of overhead line is currently being checked, which also influences the construction process. The excavators are expected to move within the first seven construction days to start the track work that should be completed by the end of the year.

by a coordinated planning and the exchange with the federal government, authorities and associations, the effects on travelers and freight traffic companies should be minimized. This general renovation is part of a comprehensive program that is intended to include more than 40 sections of the route by 2030 to sustainably improve the rail infrastructure.