One of Germany's busiest train routes will be completely closed for nine months starting Friday. The line between Hamburg and Berlin is scheduled to undergo a complete renovation between August 1 and April 30.
Following the Riedbahn line between Frankfurt and Mannheim, this is the second of approximately 40 renovation projects by Deutsche Bahn (DB). Tracks, switches, overhead lines, signaling systems, and stations will be modernized along the line.
During this time, long-distance trains will be diverted, increasing travel times between Hamburg and Berlin by an average of 45 minutes. Regional services, including those on connecting rail lines, will be severely disrupted in some places.
Buses will be used as rail replacement services in many places. A kick-off event to mark the start of construction is planned for 10:00 a.m. on Friday in Ludwigslust, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, featuring Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lutz and State Secretary Ulrich Lange (CSU).
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