Anticipated Rail Disruptions in Berlin and Brandenburg in 2025
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Loading... - Louis Robert
- 02 Jan 2025
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Rail passengers in Berlin and Brandenburg should prepare for a year of significant disruptions due to various railway construction projects scheduled for 2025. Following the successful completion of Deutsche Bahn’s ‘Riedbahn’ renovation project, a series of major infrastructure upgrades are set to take place, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and speed of transportation in the region. However, these improvements will inevitably lead to localized disruptions throughout the year.
Key Projects Impacting Rail Travel
1. General Renovation Between Berlin and Hamburg
A major overhaul of the Berlin-Hamburg line is slated to begin in August 2025, following a four-month closure for renovations in 2024. This extensive project will convert the route into a high-performance corridor, with a total of nine months of work expected to continue until April 2026. Key upgrades will include the installation of new control and safety technology, additional tracks for overtaking, and the expansion of Wittenberg station. Deutsche Bahn also plans to extend 5G mobile coverage along the railway, enhancing connectivity for passengers.
2. Dresdner Bahn Extension
The expansion of the Dresdner Bahn, which connects Berlin to Dresden, is nearing completion. This project aims to increase travel speeds for passengers heading to Dresden and beyond, including Prague and Vienna. The section between Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Blankenfelde, near the Berlin airport, is expected to be completed before the December timetable change. Reconstruction work is currently underway at the Blankenfelde and Zossen (Teltow-Fläming) stations.
3. Berlin Hauptbahnhof Construction Canceled
Plans for significant construction at Berlin’s central station, which would have resulted in a partial closure from mid-February to April, have been canceled. A spokesperson for Deutsche Bahn confirmed that no construction work is currently planned at the main station. Although overcrowding on the upper-level platforms has raised security concerns, particularly on platforms 13 and 14, major reconstruction has been ruled out for the time being.
4. S-Bahn Disruptions and Renovations
Major disruptions to Berlin’s S-Bahn network are anticipated between June and September 2025. The following routes will be affected by closures:
- S1, S25, and S85 in the Wollankstraße area
- S2 and S8 in the Blankenburg area
- S2 in the southern region
- S3 in the Köpenick/Hirschgarten area
- S45, S46, S47, S8, S85, and S9 in the Baumschulenweg – Schöneweide – Adlershof area
Additionally, a new signal box will be installed at Südkreuz station, and the north-south long-distance railway tunnel will be closed from October to December, focusing on the line from Berlin to Halle. Ongoing work at Köpenick station will continue throughout the year, as it is being converted into a connection point for the regional bahn (RE), with plans for it to serve trains on the RE1 line by 2027.
Projects in Surrounding Regions
Several projects will also impact rail travel in the surrounding regions:
- Rathenow – Stendal Main Line: Work will be carried out from late May to mid-December, although the high-speed line is expected to remain operational during this period.
- Ostbahn: Renovations between Strausberg and Müncheberg will take place from late April to early July.
- Wiesenburg (Mark) to Roßlau (Elbe): Repair work is scheduled from late June to early September.
- Prignitz Express: A dam renovation affecting the section between Neuruppin and Kremmen will begin in August, with potential impacts extending to Velten.
As these construction projects unfold, passengers in Berlin and Brandenburg should stay informed about potential disruptions to their travel plans. While the upgrades aim to enhance the overall efficiency and speed of the rail network, the associated inconveniences will require careful planning and flexibility from commuters throughout 2025.
