U-Bahnhof Opening Earlier Than Expected

Munich. The U-Bahnhof at Fraunhoferstraße has reopened three days ahead of schedule. The work to install the new escalators was completed faster than planned.

Since Friday afternoon the transport company MVG allows passengers onto the platforms , even though the escalators are not entirely finished. Since the 9th of August the underground station was completely closed. The MVG replaced the escalators at the station and needed to shutdown all the platforms to undertake the work.

Originally the station was planned to be reopened on Monday, however the technicians could work "more concentrated and more efficiently" than in the normal day-to-day routine, says a MVG spokesperson. "They didn't have to look out for passengers, nor put up and down barricades and so there was more space available as well." It was the first time an underground station in Munich was closed for such a change. Which was why more time was calculated than actually needed.

Now the workers only have to move their heavy equipment and clean up. On Friday afternoon the blockades will be removed. The escalators in the direction of Baader and Reichenbachstraße will be opened by then and regular stair cases are also usable.

The new escalators in the direction of Klenzestraße are not completely finished yet. Key components like the motor are installed but the steps have to be finished and connections have to be made. The stairs are expected to commence working again on the 10th of September, according to MVG.