Major Construction Projects Impacting Train Services in Berlin and Brandenburg

Travelers relying on the Deutsche Bahn in Berlin and Brandenburg should prepare for significant disruptions this year as the railway company embarks on extensive construction projects aimed at enhancing punctuality and reliability across various train lines.

According to Alexander Kaczmarek, the railway's authorized representative for the regions of Berlin, Brandenburg, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, nearly all major routes departing from Berlin are undergoing improvements. The total investment for these projects is estimated to be between EUR750 and EUR800 million.

Ongoing construction is already evident at Berlin's central station, where partial closures are in effect until mid-April. Additionally, two extended weekends will see all eight tracks out of service. Further complicating matters, the vital route connecting Berlin and Hamburg will face a complete shutdown for nine months starting in August for comprehensive renovations.

One of the most significant developments this year is the enhancement of the Dresdner Bahn, which runs between Berlin Südkreuz and Blankenfelde. This 16-kilometer stretch is expected to transform the transportation network in the area, providing a crucial link that has been lacking. By the end of the year, trains traveling south will benefit from a more direct route, reducing travel time to Dresden by approximately ten minutes and alleviating congestion caused by long-distance trains.

From July 25 to August 4, a bus replacement service will be in operation between Priesterweg and Blankenfelde, followed by another service from August 25 to September 22 between Mahlow and Blankenfelde.

Construction will also continue on the Anhalter Bahn, a key link connecting Berlin and Halle/Saale, which is vital due to the increasing passenger traffic between Berlin and Munich. The aim is to establish a 30-minute service frequency to Munich, supported by a higher number of express trains. However, before these improvements can be realized, necessary upgrades must be completed. Notably, between September 24 and December 13, tracks and switches will be renewed, resulting in full closures and the rerouting of long-distance trains.

The long-awaited expansion of the Lehrter Stammbahn is set to commence, linking Vorsfelde near Wolfsburg to Stendal and ultimately to Wustermark. Initial construction phases from June 2025 to December 2026 will create new passing and overtaking opportunities between Großwudicke in Brandenburg and Stendal in Saxony-Anhalt. The entire project is expected to be operational by 2034, aiming to enhance travel times for both passenger and freight services.

Looking ahead, the Alexanderplatz station is also slated for a major overhaul. This renovation will begin at the end of this year, requiring the temporary closure of retail spaces within the station. The project is anticipated to conclude by late 2029, although the construction contract has yet to be awarded.